Patients, relatives and friends affected by one of the UK’s rarest cancers, sarcoma, braved scorching heat at Prospect Park, Reading, yesterday (Sunday) in a walk to raise awareness of sarcoma and vital funds for research.
The walks around the park, titled ‘Rare But Real’, were the first of their kind being held by Sarcoma UK. Despite sweltering conditions on one of the hottest days of the year, 50 dedicated participants completed either 5K or 10K walks, raising an impressive £10,500 for the national charity that supports people affected by sarcoma – a rare form of cancer that develops in bones and soft tissues. Sarcomas account for less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses, and the charity is eager to raise awareness of the rare disease.
The charity plans to expand the programme to six locations across the UK by 2026, with the next event scheduled for Manchester in September.
Sarcoma UK’s Community Fundraising Manager, Emily Ford, said: ‘We are the only cancer charity in the UK focusing on all types of sarcoma, and events like this are absolutely crucial for funding the research that saves lives. Sarcomas are incredibly rare and complex cancers, which means research often takes longer and requires more targeted funding. Money raised through Rare But Real walks supports groundbreaking research projects that are developing new treatments and improving survival rates. This inaugural event demonstrates our growing capacity to reach and serve communities nationwide while building sustainable funding streams for our vital work in research and patient support.’
One of the walkers, Susan Zonneveld, whose son Alex, has Ewing sarcoma, said: ‘The reason my son is alive is because of the research. The only way survival is possible is through research and that’s why I am here with eight friends. We have lived through the sarcoma journey, which doesn’t start and end with treatment.’
The Reading event also proved particularly meaningful when organisers met a terminal sarcoma patient who had never previously heard of Sarcoma UK. The encounter highlighted the charity’s mission to raise awareness of this rare cancer, with the patient and her family now eager to join awareness campaigns and future fundraising efforts.
Sarcoma UK funds vital research and offers information and support to anyone affected by sarcoma. The Manchester event in September is expected to build on Reading’s success as Sarcoma UK continues to raise awareness of sarcoma and funds for research into this rare disease.
The timing of the Reading event was particularly significant, taking place just two days before the start of Sarcoma Awareness Month tomorrow (1 July).
