News from Cancer Research UK

STRIKING A POSE
Famous female statues get their running gear on to help fight cancer

Female statues across the UK have had a temporary makeover after being dressed in running vests to celebrate Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2008. The historical figures, including the likes of Jane Austen and Emmeline Pankhurst, have been sporting running bibs to mark the women’s only race series which kicked off across the UK this month.

To reflect the determination and drive of the women who participate in the Race for Life events, Cancer Research UK commissioned six statues of famous historical figures to be dressed in the specially designed running vests – surprising and impressing onlookers throughout the country.

The statues were specifically chosen as women who are noteworthy for their strength, ingenuity or purpose throughout history. Statues donning the race bibs include the formidable Roman warrior Queen Boadicea, located in Cardiff and leading women’s rights activist, Emmeline Pankhurst, whose bronzed statue resides in Westminster, London. Also sporting race wear are the Messenger of Peace in Manchester, Lady Godiva in Coventry, as well as the Jane Austen figure in Bath and Pocahontas in Gravesend, Kent.

Now in its 15th year, Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is the largest women-only fundraising series in Britain. Women are invited to walk, jog or run 5k at over 260 events across the UK this summer. The charity is hoping that 750,000 women will come together and help raise over £50 million for research into all forms of cancer.

Louise Holland, of Cancer Research UK said: “Each of the statues we selected to wear our running vests represent the importance of strength, courage and in many cases, triumph over adversity. The women taking part in this year’s Race for Life events show dedication, resolve and a desire to change lives – much like many of the historical statues that are wearing our race bibs.”

Each Race for Life event covers a distance of 5k, encouraging women of all ages and levels of fitness to participate. Women can enter Race for Life by visiting www.raceforlife.org or calling 0871 641 2282.

-Ends-

For more press information or images please contact Laura Bryce at Frank PR on 0207693 6999 or e-mail: cancerresearchuk@frankpr.it

Notes to Editors:

Full list of participating statues:
• Pocahontas, Gravesend, Kent
• Lady Godiva, Coventry
• Jane Austen, Bath
• Emmeline Pankhurst, Westminster, London
• Messenger of Peace, Manchester
• Queen Boadicea, Cardiff

About Cancer Research UK:
• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer
• Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer
• Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients
• Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make
• Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer
• For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk