The Southampton Race for Life, held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, was a memorable and inspiring event that raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.
People of all ages participated, with many running in memory of loved ones or to support those currently battling cancer.
The race included various categories such as the 3k, 5k, and 10k, and saw participants braving hot temperatures of up to 27 degrees Celsius.
Powerful Stories of Hope and Courage
Among the participants were cancer survivors and those who had lost their loved ones to this devastating disease. For Selina Williams, 32, from Fair Oak, and Nikki Lewin, 48, from Bitterne Park, the 5K race held a very personal meaning.
Selina shared that they were running for her stepdaughter, Olivia, who tragically passed away at the age of 11 in December last year after a battle with leukemia.
Olivia had been diagnosed with cancer in 2022, went into remission in 2023, but relapsed in 2024. Sadly, she passed away just six months later. Selina reflected on Olivia’s own involvement in the race when she was battling cancer. “Olivia did the race herself when she was fighting cancer.
We pushed her through the course on her wheelchair in 2023 and 2024,” she said. The two women were proud to have raised over £2,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Inspirational Dedication from Families
One of the touching moments at the event was when Olivia’s father, Graham Blyth, 33, took to the main stage to help warm up the crowd. Graham, a personal trainer, expressed his feelings about cancer’s impact, not just on the individual, but on entire families.
“It’s the families as well that have suffered through such hardship watching cancer’s devastating impact,” he said.
The event was a reminder of the emotional and physical toll that cancer takes on families. Max Wood, 26, a participant who lost his mother to a rare form of cancer known as GISTs, shared his experience.
Max described his worries about the heat on race day but also expressed his determination to make his mother proud. “Just being here today is a huge step forward and I’m loving every minute of it,” he said.
Personal Triumphs and Support for Research
Michelle Edwards, 54, who was diagnosed with endometrial cancer last year and underwent surgery, also participated. “It’s hard, but you just have to take it in your stride and just keep going,” she said.
The race also had emotional significance for siblings Jade and Ryan Willcox, who ran the 10K race in honor of their grandmother, who passed away from cancer last month. Jade shared, “What better way to honor her than running a 10k for her. Ryan even completed it in less than an hour.”
Long-Time Participants Running in Memory
Joanne Cook, a dedicated participant in the Race for Life since 2012, ran the 10K race in memory of both her parents, who lost their battles with cancer.
“I always do Race for Life in their memory and to raise money for cancer research and help others who are fighting cancer,” she said.
A Day of Hope, Strength, and Community
The Southampton Race for Life 2025 was a powerful demonstration of courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of those affected by cancer.
Whether running for a loved one or as part of a larger community effort, the event not only raised vital funds for research but also provided participants with a platform to honor and remember those lost to the disease.
The day was filled with stories of hope, love, and determination, reminding everyone that together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer.
