Charlotte is to join charity Race for Life as unicorn in memory of aunts
A 20-year-old is raising money for Cancer Research UK in memory of her two aunties who were diagnosed with the disease.
Charlotte Macey, from Telford, is hoping to bring a smile to her fellow runners’ faces when she takes part in the Race for Life this weekend by dressing up as a unicorn.
Charlotte, who runs her own business called Letterbox Love Gifts, is taking part in this year’s virtual Race for Life on Saturday, in memory of people she has lost.
“I’m not much of a runner, but this is my third year doing Race for Life,” she said.
“My auntie Vicky passed away in 2007, she was 53, from lung cancer. Me and my mom always talk about her and I would bug her every year to do Race for Life with me, and finally I persuaded her to do it three years ago and we managed to raise about £500. It was great fun I loved it.
“Last year, obviously Covid happened and so I had to do it virtually at home, like I am going to this year. I raised around £700 last year.
“Then in October last year my other auntie, Glenys, was diagnosed with cancer, but she passed away from something completely unrelated aged 71. So this year I wanted to do something a bit different to include both of them.
“My auntie Glenys loved baby pink so I am trying to theme everything around that.”
Charlotte said the death of Glenys was a blow to the family, but by completing the Race for Life, she hopes to turn it into something positive.
“I was 19 when Glenys died and it really hit me hard,” she said. “I was so close to her. She was a very nurturing and loving person, so I wanted to turn it into something positive.
“Around three weeks ago I said I might do a raffle, just a small one and I didn’t think I’d get that many prizes.
“I contacted a few business locally and further afield and straight away they sent over some amazing prizes. There are more than 40 now.
“I try to take every step, or bit of road, in dedication to someone who has inspired me or supported me. I am very close to my family, and I’m not a runner so I have to have some sort of motivation to do it, and they are my motivation.
“At the end of the day it is about raising money and awareness, and having fun.”
Visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/charlottes-race-for-life-at-home-30 to donate.
People across the region are being encouraged to join Race for Life.
The charity’s much-loved events are aiming to return to the county, but with socially distanced measures to help keep participants safe.
Covid-19 has caused a devastating loss of research funding. Cancer Research UK is predicting a staggering £300 million drop in income over the next three years which could put future medical breakthroughs at risk.
That’s why the charity is calling on men, women and children to fight back against the devastating disease by entering a Race for Life event. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.
The Shropshire Race for Life events take place at Telford Town Park on May 30, Weston Park Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids on May 22, and The Quarry Shrewsbury on June 20.
Kirsten Shore, Cancer Research UK’s events manager for Shropshire, said: “This year, more than ever, we need people to come together and help beat the disease.”
Visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/charlottes-race-for-life-at-home-30 to donate.
