Hundreds of runners will be thinking of their loved ones this weekend as Race for Life returns to Bradford’s Lister Park.

Around 500 women, men and children will be taking part in the long anticipated and popular event.

Those participating will have a united fundraising goal of £50,000 for Cancer Research UK in their minds – as well as much loved friends and family in their hearts.

Among the runners will be the Gulab Gang, a group of women who all share worship at the Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara on Leeds Road – including a recent recipient of an MBE, Mandip Sahota.

Special guests and identical twin sisters from Great Horton Helen Wagstaff and Deborah Montgomery,44, will be sounding the horn to set participants off on their races.

The twins were diagnosed with exactly the same type of cancer, Hodgkin Lymphoma, but 15 years apart.

Now unexpectedly ‘famous’ after taking part in this year’s national Race for Life marketing campaign, their story has reached millions around the UK.

Deborah and Helen will be joined on the course by their children, Lisa-Marie Montgomery, 10, and Luke Wagstaff, 12, along with their 75 year old mum June Rankin.

June, who celebrated her 75th Birthday on Sunday, has already completed the Race for Life Pretty Muddy in Leeds last Saturday and the Race for Life 5k in Scarborough on Wednesday evening. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Helen Wagstaff (left) and Deborah Montgomery are raising awareness of World Cancer Day.Helen Wagstaff (left) and Deborah Montgomery are raising awareness of World Cancer Day.

People can still sign up online tonight or turn up on the day to run the 3K, 5K or 10K.

The group warm up will return this year, taking place 30 minutes before the start time.

The 10K starts at 10am while the 3 and 5K starts at 11.30am.

More information can be found via the Race for Life website, www.raceforlife.org

Nicki Embleton, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson for West Yorkshire, said: “We’re so excited to be bringing back the full experience of Race for Life to the beautiful Lister Park this year, following the cancellations and changes we faced during the pandemic.

"The much-loved big warm-up returns, and the 3k, 5k and 10k events will be mass starts again.

“There will be more activities and entertainment on during the event, making it a great day out for supporters too to want to come and cheer the participants on, so everyone can play their part to help beat cancer.

“We look forward to welcoming back familiar faces, such as Deborah, Helen and the wonderful Gulab Gang, and look forward to meeting many more who will be making this year their first Race for Life.

“Our Race for Life events are open to all.

"For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder and take part in the 10K distance.

"But what is for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life Bradford will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”