• Wed. Dec 4th, 2024

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Award Winning Whickham Scientist Urges Women to take on Race for Life

A NEWCASTLE SCIENTIST and her laboratory colleagues are urging women to back life-saving research – by signing up for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Suzanne Kyle, a senior research technician at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research in Newcastle wants to inspire women to enter the Race for Life events at Town Moor on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July by showing the difference they can make in the fight against cancer.

Wearing their Race for Life t-shirts under their lab coats the scientists are declaring ‘this is research beating cancer’ to highlight the crucial connection between taking part and helping save lives by funding vital work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Suzanne, 47, from Whickham, who will be taking part in her 10th Race for Life this week, said: “I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the women who participate in Race for Life in Newcastle and to everyone who supports them. If you’ve not signed up yet there’s still time to join us.

“There is a clear connection between all the mums, grans, daughters, sisters and friends of all ages who walk, jog or run their way around the events and the doctors, nurses and scientists in labs and hospitals, working on the front line against cancer. Without them, our work wouldn’t be possible so we are very grateful for their support and commitment.”

The dedicated researcher has recently won an Engagement Award for her efforts in speaking passionately about research funded by Cancer Research UK through events like Race for Life.

The Highly Commended Communications and Brand Ambassador Prize presented to Suzanne by Cancer Research UK recognised her extraordinary commitment in actively engaging and involving the public and patients with science.

Speaking about the award she said: “I’m very passionate about research and the team of scientists I work alongside. It’s important for us to share the progress that research is making and to inspire support. To have the greatest impact, the results of our work must reach patients, the public, fundraising supporters, and the next generation of scientists.”

Suzanne has worked in cancer research for 25 years, around half her life and has supported the discovery of new drugs to treat cancer such as Rucaparib for breast and ovarian cancer.

During her time at the research centre she has taken part in Race for Life, first taking part when one of her friends was diagnosed with lymphoma.

Despite initially being successfully treated, sadly the cancer returned and Suzanne now takes part in Race for Life in her memory.

In her role as researcher Suzanne’s work goes far beyond the lab, and she is an inspiring communicator of research. In the last two years alone she has engaged with over 7,300 people at events, giving up her own time to attend public events to share her research and act as a spokesperson for Cancer Research UK.

Now in her latest effort to raise awareness of the importance of Cancer Research UK Suzanne is encouraging women to take part in Race for Life, as she knows research has the power to save lives.

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

Money raised through Race for Life helps Cancer Research UK to fund long-term research and pioneering trials, leading to new tests and kinder treatments which could save the lives of men, women and children.

Cancer Research UK research and clinical trials have helped doctors use the drug tamoxifen to its full potential, revolutionising treatment and prevention of breast cancer and boosting survival. And the charity’s early research work helped develop cisplatin, which is now used to treat testicular and other types of cancer.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Newcastle, said: “We’re so grateful to Suzanne for all the work she does in the labs and in sharing this with the public. By taking part in Race for Life, women in Newcastle can make a real difference in the fight against cancer and show their support to Suzanne and the whole research team.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. Money raised through Race for Life is helping to drive life-saving research in to over 200 different types of cancer – so every person, step and penny raised counts.”

To enter Race for Life today visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.

By Emily