Race for Life 2026: March for Life Band prepares for its swansong after 17 years and thousands raised for Cancer Research UK
March for Life Band prepares for final Race for Life after 17 years
At Race for Life in Southsea this weekend a full marching band will be taking their place at the start line as they have done for the past 17 years.
With members of the band getting older and lugging the instruments for the 5k becoming more of a challenge, they have decided to call time on the endeavour which has seen them raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
Kez Edwards is one of the founders of the ‘March for Life’ when it was initially an all female band bringing together members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Band Association, Horndean Band and other local marching bands. Over time musicians from Hampshire Police Band, Bournemouth and District Concert Band, Worthing Brass Band and other local ensembles joined in.
Kez said: “A lot of members are finding it more challenging to physically do as we are getting a bit older, and the younger members are not as keen to take it over and organise it. We always say we will do one more, and then one more but we feel that it has run its course and we have contributed quite a bit to it.
“It is getting harder find enough players as well, however, as it is the last one we have had a lot more people join us this year.”
While Kez says it will be a “strange” feeling knowing it is the last one, she is proud of the effort and fundraising they have put in over the years. A number of the original band member have made a point to join again this year to be there for the final march.
She said: “It is exciting and it will be nice to see everybody as we don’t always get a chance to catch up with everybody throughout the year. We are all from different bands and it is nice that we all come together for it.
“More and more of our members have been diagnosed with cancer over the years since we started, it really does affect a lot of people.”
Kez added: “Beyond fundraising, it has always been about lifting spirits, encouraging participants, and being part of something bigger than ourselves. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has marched with us, played alongside us, supported us, sponsored us or cheered us on. You have all been part of something truly special.”
To donate to the March for Life 2026 fundraising page, visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/.../march.../members.