Hundreds to join neon lit night walk to beat cancer

The charity’s annual Shine Night Walk will take place on Saturday, September 7. Entries are open now for the 10k event, where participants can choose to raise money for the cancer type closest to their hearts. This includes prostate cancer, breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, brain tumours, children’s cancers and leukaemia, amongst others. Or they can give their backing to life-saving research to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Birmingham is one of just 16 locations across the UK selected to host a Shine Night Walk in 2024.

The event starts at Centenary Square from 7pm, when participants will take to the city’s streets in a fun and inspirational parade of light that will help beat cancer one step at a time.

Passing some of Birmingham’s famous landmarks, the route takes in St Phillip’s Cathedral, Birmingham Hippodrome and the Jewellery Quarter before finishing back in Centenary Square.

Every year in the West Midlands, around 33,800 people are diagnosed with cancer.** Across the UK more people are surviving than ever before, but the number of cases is increasing year on year – underlining the need to help fund and accelerate new discoveries and breakthroughs.

Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the Midlands, Paula Young, said: “September 7 is Birmingham’s time to shine. Last year’s participants certainly played their part, raising raising more than £111,000 so we’re delighted Shine Night Walk is returning to the city.

“We’re working towards a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. A world where more cancers are prevented, where people with cancer are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage and given kinder, more targeted treatments. But our scientists need more support to go the distance.

“That’s why we hope everyone will grab their glowsticks, walk for loved ones, walk for future generations and walk with friends old and new to help make our vision a reality. Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.*** All of us can support the research that will beat it.”

Last year, Cancer Research UK spent over £8 million in Birmingham which is home to an Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre. Co-funded by the charity and the National Institute for Health Research, it brings together scientists and cancer doctors to speed up the flow of ideas and new treatments from the lab to the clinic.

Research happening right now in Birmingham includes developing new treatments for children with blood cancer and finding out how bacteria can be used in cancer treatments.

By taking part in Shine Night Walk, supporters of all abilities can help fund vital work such as this. Training advice is available on the website.10k is just over 6 miles and takes between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. Participants can go at their own pace, from a leisurely stroll to a lively stride or a full-on power walk passing the city’s well-loved landmarks.

Paula added: “Taking part isn’t about being first over the finish line, it’s about helping our scientists go further and faster in the fight against cancer. In the last 50 years, we’ve helped double survival in the UK. That adds up to millions more precious moments for people affected by this devastating disease and their families. Now we’re urging supporters in Leicester to step up and help power more progress. Together, we are beating cancer.”

People can also shine a light for those affected by cancer by volunteering on the night. From helping to set up the Shine Night Walk course to guiding participants around the city, there are lots of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and learn new skills.

To enter or volunteer visit: www.shinewalk.org/