Patients, relatives and friends affected by one of the UK’s rarest cancers, sarcoma, converged on Heaton Park, Manchester, to take part in walks to raise awareness of the disease and vital funds for research.
The event, titled Rare But Real, was held by charity Sarcoma UK. More than 75 participants completed either 5K or 10K routes, raising more than £13,500 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.
Sarcoma UK – the only cancer charity in the UK focusing on all types of sarcoma – works to raise awareness of the disease.
Sarcoma UK’s Community Fundraising Manager, Emily Ford, said: ‘It was wonderful to see all the walkers at Heaton Park and we thank them for the funds they have raised. What I noticed about the day was how different people were talking with each other and about their experiences of sarcoma, whether that be themselves, supporting someone they love or walking in memory of someone – there was a bond of shared experience.
‘The money raised will support research that ultimately could save lives. Sarcomas are incredibly rare and complex cancers, which means research often takes longer and requires more targeted funding. Funds raised through Rare But Real walks will support groundbreaking research projects that are developing new treatments and improving survival rates.’
