MORE than 4,500 mud-spattered fundraisers splashed their way through Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy obstacle course with one goal in mind – to raise vital funds to help beat cancer.

Many donned fancy dress – from pink glittery tutus to unicorn outfits – for the Race For Life 5k and 10k obstacle course in Bute Park, including 732 children who completed the new Pretty Muddy Kids event.

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Participants faced a range of fun and muddy obstacles to crawl under, clamber over and charge through. One of the participants was 47-year-old Tracy Pash from Caerphilly who took part for her sister who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Wearing an inflatable unicorn, shower cap and snorkel, Tracy said:

“I’m here with my colleagues from Tesco. They know how much I hate mud which is why I’m dressed like this!

“Cancer Research UK is a cause close to my heart as my sister is being treated for breast cancer. She was diagnosed just after Christmas at the age of 38 and is currently going through her last session of chemo. We have since found out she is a carrier of the BRCA gene. I’m taking part for her and for everyone else affected by cancer.”

The event, which is expected to raise around £163,000, will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, helping save more lives.

A team of scientists, funded by Cancer Research UK to research special DNA structures and the role that they play in cancer, got pretty muddy in matching unicorn shower caps.

Helen Geillar, who is part of the team based at Cardiff University, feels especially passionate about her job as her mum sadly died from a brain tumour when she was 13.

She said: “We’ve all got loved ones who have been affected by cancer. Losing my mum to cancer certainly motivates me in my job. It has been so much fun taking part in Pretty Muddy – we’ve all really enjoyed it.”

Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies on the public’s support. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the charity was able to spend around £4 million last year in Wales on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research – helping more men, women and children survive.

Katie Cooze, Cancer Research UK’s event manager for Cardiff, said:

“Every muddy step taken will help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

“Every day, around 52 people are diagnosed with cancer in Wales. Money raised – whether it’s £10 or £100 – will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before. Cancer survival in the UK has doubled since the early 1970s and Cancer Research UK’s work has been at the heart of that progress.

Cancer Research UK’s Race For Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Half Marathon and Hiking events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner by funding vital research.

To enter Race for Life today go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.