The Children’s Cancer Run, organised by the North of England Children’s Cancer Research (NECCR) is now in its 35th year and will raise vital funds for research into childhood cancers.

The run, which will be held at Newcastle Racecourse on Sunday 21 May, was officially opened for entries at the launch event by families whose lives had been directly affected by childhood cancer.

During their visit, families received a tour of the state-of-the-art NECCR laboratories at the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre where world-class research trials take place.

Future Fund

The NECCR contributed £500,000 towards the Future Fund campaign that was launched to raise money for the Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre which brings together world-renowned experts from Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Jesmond-based teenager, Dylan Williams, 13, was a special guest at the launch with his mum, Manuela. Dylan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, in December 2015.

Mum Manuela said: “I cannot praise enough the work done by the Great North Children’s Hospital nurses and doctors who worked tirelessly to improve Dylan’s condition and reassure him.

“During treatment there were times when Dylan’s emotional wellbeing seemed more compromised than his physical health.

“The superb support offered in particular by his consultant, by the psychologist and the play nurse specialists got him, and us, through those challenging circumstances.”

Children’s Cancer Run

The run offers five mile, three mile and ‘mini mile’ cross country tracks to ensure families and runners of all ages and abilities can take part in the fun run, which is one of the largest single charity run events in Europe.

Roger Whiteside, Chief Executive of leading on-the-go food retailer and main corporate supporter of the run, Greggs, said: “Greggs are proud to once again support the Children’s Cancer Run – a truly worthwhile cause that has become a real North East institution since its inception in the early 1980s.”

Cancer survivor and Chairman of the NECCR, Chris Peacock, said: “Thanks to the Children’s Cancer Run we’ve surpassed the £5 million fundraising mark but we can’t rest on our laurels just yet while children and teenagers still lose their lives to childhood cancers.

“We have come a long way with over 80% of children diagnosed with cancer surviving, compared to only a 30% survival rate 30 years ago.

“It is more important than ever to raise vital funds for research into children’s cancer, so we can defeat the disease once and for all. That’s why the Children’s Cancer Run is such a tremendous family event to be part of. Every year we’re blown away by the support we all receive.”

The Children’s Cancer Run is offering early bird entry rates up until Friday 31st March. Participants can enter as a single runner, a brand new team, as part of an existing team, as a family or with their school. Every penny raised goes towards the work of the NECCR which improves the lives of children with cancer.

Last year, the event raised more than £200,000 for the NECCR, adding to the £5 million which has already been raised by Children’s Cancer runners over the years.

To enter, join or create a team, or for more details about the event, please visit: http://www.neccr.org.uk/event/childrens-cancer-run-2017/