Case Study: Cancer research, Race for Life

Problem:

“Cancer Research UK is pioneering life-saving research to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured. In the UK survival rates have doubled in the past 40 years and we've been at the heart of this progress. But we can’t stop there. Every two minutes someone in the UK is told they have cancer. As the population grows and ages, the number of cases continues to rise. We want to create more tomorrows for more people and we’re determined to keep pushing forward in our fight against cancer.” Cancer Research UK: Online

Campaign:

Cancer Research’s Race for Life campaign is an annual event that enlists women all over the country to run or walk either a 5km or 10km route in their local area. Women taking part raise as much money as possible as sponsorship for taking part in the event, this is all donated to Cancer Research in the UK.

Outcome:

Since Race for Life started in 1994, an incredible six million women have come together and raised more than £493million for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work, making it the UK’s largest women-only fundraising event. 

Conclusion:

Not only does Race for Life raise crucial funds for Cancer research in the UK but also raises awareness of breast cancer. The cost of running the events and all the marketing and organisation involved is covered by the £14.99 Sign-up fee and allowing the rest of the money made by sponsorship or on Race for Life merchandise goes straight to Cancer research. There are many other charities that use sponsored events to raise money such as the Oxfam Trail walk (teams of 4 set out to walk 100km in 30hours alongside the Ghurkhas) and Movember (in which men grow a moustache throughout the month of November to raise awareness and money for Prostate Cancer). This is worth bearing in mind when looking at ways in which Traid could increase awareness for their cause and to raise money. Like Race for Life, if they charged an admin fee for people taking part in the event to cover the cost of the campaign then any money raised can be used for their charity work.



AMY LAURA BURT