A Pembrokeshire woman who took part in a charity challenge in memory of her dad who died from oesophageal cancer, is urging others to take part in ‘Race for Life’ events this year.

People across Cardiff were all in against cancer at the first Race for Life events of 2026 in Wales; with more than 6,000 people taking part over the two day bumper weekend of activities at Coopers Field, which kicked off on Saturday, May 2.

They’ve raised a total of £341,227 for Cancer Research UK - vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

On Saturday (May 2) the fun began with Pretty Muddy Kids, a 5k mud splattered obstacle course for children aged six to 12.

This included a new ‘muddy mayhem’ obstacle for the first time. The biggest and boldest inflatable obstacle yet, this saw fundraisers climb through gates, take on a rope swing drop and battle their way through a maze of pillars before crawling through a mud pit.

Then from noon onwards it was time for the adults to get ‘Pretty Muddy’ and tackle obstacles including a scramble net, tunnels, a climbing frame, space hoppers and a giant inflatable slide in to a mud pit as a finale.

Thirty-six-year-old Lydia Thomas, who lives in Pembrokeshire took part in Pretty Muddy in memory of her dad George who died from oesophageal cancer aged 61 on January 19, 2013.

race for life
Lydia said: “It was so lovely to be here at Race for Life. I felt emotional seeing all the back signs and people’s reasons for taking part. It felt like my dad was with me today.” (CRUK)

She said: “Dad truly was my hero and I miss him every day.

“It was so lovely to be here at Race for Life. I felt emotional seeing all the back signs and people’s reasons for taking part. It felt like my dad was with me today.

“Dad loved sport and particularly rugby. I treasure a photo I have of dad and me at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, watching a rugby match against New Zealand’s All Blacks in 2012, just a few months before he died. I have a tattoo on my wrist say ‘Dad’ to remember him. I would do anything to have extra time with my Dad today.”

On Sunday, May 3 fundraising continued when people of all ages and abilities took part in Race for Life 3k, 5k and 10k events at Bute Park.

The events are non competitive, so participants could walk, jog or run or get muddy at their own pace.

Now organisers of Race for Life and Pretty Muddy Cardiff are sending a heartfelt message of thanks to everyone who put their best feet forward as well as their supporters.

Thirty-six-year-old Lydia Thomas, who lives in Pembrokeshire took part in Pretty Muddy in memory of her dad George who died from oesophageal cancer aged 61 on January 19, 2013.
Thirty-six-year-old Lydia Thomas, who lives in Pembrokeshire took part in Pretty Muddy in memory of her dad George who died from oesophageal cancer aged 61 on January 19, 2013. (CRUK)

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Wales, said: “Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research.

Race for Life events are planned across Wales this spring and summer. To enter, visit: raceforlife.org