Race for Life: Parys rallies Portsmouth to go all in against cancer at Pretty Muddy

A cancer researcher is going ‘all in’ at Race for Life in Portsmouth this weekend after seeing first-hand how fundraising is saving lives.

Parys Hatchard, who monitors Cancer Research UK's clinical trials at the city’s Queen Alexandra Hospital, will be part of a team of seven taking part in the mud splattered obstacle course, Pretty Muddy, on Southsea Common, to help the charity find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

Parys, from Waterlooville, works at the Cancer Research UK Southampton Clinical Trials Unit and sees daily how new treatments are helping more people live longer, better lives thanks to supporters at Race for Life.

Parys said: “I love working with my research teams and the nurses and doctors who help us bring the latest treatments from the labs to the patients who need them most, safely. We’re all in it together, just like Race for Life where we all have one goal.

“I know what a difference research can make and have seen my own Nans beat breast cancer and non-hodgkin's lymphoma because of the progress we’re making.

“Thanks to people taking part in events like Race for Life, I’m able to introduce new clinical trials to hospitals around the UK, to help guarantee patient safety and ensure the data is all collected correctly so that we can improve the standard of care that cancer patients are offered.”

Parys has worked on several Cancer Research UK funded trials run by the Southampton Clinical Trials Unit that aim to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients. The trials cover a range of cancer types including the CRAIN trial for people with cervical cancer, the AURORA trial to help treat a rare type of bladder cancer, the OptiMATe trial for patients with lymphoma of the central nervous system and the REMoDL-A TRIAL for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Parys said: “I often read the notes of patients who previously may not have survived their cancer but then go into remission after being on our trials and it is the most rewarding job. Then to see those treatments receiving approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) shows what can be achieved.

“That’s why myself and my friends and family are going all in against cancer by taking part in Pretty Muddy, so that we can give back and keep the breakthroughs coming.

“My sister Mia, who has worked on the chemo wards is part of the team, inspired by her patients and our Nans. My partner, Amy is joining us as her best friend’s dad passed away from cancer and she sees how much hard work and dedication goes into the research through me and my team – she calls us ‘incredible’.

“Our friend Jodie will be remembering her dad William after he sadly died from lymphoma and Emma will be thinking of her auntie who passed away from pancreatic cancer.

“Meanwhile Kayleigh will be inspired by her aunties, Wendy and Sheila, and her grandad who have all beaten cancer. We’ll also be joined by our friend Ellie who has ovarian cancer herself and has benefitted from some of the treatments Cancer Research UK has played a part in developing.

“She’s faced more hurdles than most so we’ll tackle the Pretty Muddy obstacles for her and for everyone facing cancer.”

To donate, you can head to: Parys' Pretty Muddy fundraising page.

People can still sign up to the events or turn up on the day and register to get a race number from the admin tent. On Saturday, people can take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course. There is also a Pretty Muddy Kids option. 

Meanwhile, tomorrow people of all ages and abilities can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events.

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Hampshire, said: “It’s time for Portsmouth to go all in against cancer, all in to help fund life-saving research.  

“Whether you’re a five-a-side crew, book club, dance troupe, yoga club, fancy doing something fun with your friends - or on your own- we want everyone to join us.”  

“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.  For those who do enjoy a challenge, our 10k events will again be chip timed, perfect for anyone wanting to track their progress or aim for a personal best. But Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run and go at their own pace. What matters most is showing up together. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone.”  

 Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.   

 Over the past 50 years, Cancer Research UK funded scientists have helped to nearly double breast cancer survival in the UK.  The charity also helped prove the link between tobacco and cancer, preventing millions of deaths worldwide.   

To sign up, visit raceforlife.org