TRAGEDY has spurred on a student from Rugby to take part in the town’s Race for Life for the tenth year running – in memory of her father.
Abbi Hobbs Richens, 20, took part in her first ever 5k Race for Life at the age of 11, just months after her dad Graeme Hobbs died of lung cancer at the turn of 2010.
Since then Abbi and mum Louise have earned more than 20 Race for Life medals between them and raised over £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.
Abbi, who is studying mechanical engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “I’ll be joining again because if I can help prevent anyone else going through what I’ve been through then it will be worthwhile.
“It’s a race for a cure not an athletic race so anyone can do it. I’d encourage anyone who can to take part because it’s a great day out for an amazing cause.”
Abbi and her mum first hit the headlines when they helped launch Cancer Research UK’s plain tobacco packaging campaign in 2012.
The pair were inspired by Graeme’s death to urge people to sign a petition calling for all branding to be removed from cigarette packs.
Graeme started smoking as a teenager and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2009. He died just seven months later on New Year’s Day 2010, aged 51.
Previously, Louise had been doing Race for Life every year in memory of her aunt, uncle and her best friend’s mum – who all died of cancer.
Louise said: “This year will be my 16th Race for Life event. I was going to hang up my running shoes last year, but I’ve decided to do it again because I feel very passionate about Race for Life.
Graeme Hobbs, in whose memory Abbi and mum Louise will again run the race this year.
“The thing that always strikes me is how many people take part. The messages on people’s back signs make you realise how cancer affects so many lives and the atmosphere on the day is always one of fun and camaraderie. I’d encourage anyone who can to join in.”
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Warwickshire, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Louise and Abbi for their continued support. Without people like them we simply wouldn’t be able to fund our life-saving research.
“Race for Life is a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing.
“Participants can raise money in whatever way they like because this allows Cancer Research UK to fund life-saving research including clinical trials which give patients access to the latest treatments.”
Cancer Research UK has been instrumental in doubling cancer survival rates in the UK since the early 1970s.
After 25 years as a women-only event, Race for Life is open to all this year.
Rugby Race for Life takes place at Draycote Water on Saturday June 22, where participants can choose to run a 5k or a 10k route. Visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770 to take part.
