177 Squadron Feature on Race for Life Wall to Encourage Cancer Research Running Events

A giant wall which pays tribute to Flight Lieutenant Philip Massey RAFVR(T) of 177 Squadron (Blackpool Air Cadets) has gone up at Stanley Park to encourage people to take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

177 Squadron will feature on the giant Race for Life wall to encourage people in the town to sign up for this year’s Pretty Muddy 5k, Pretty Muddy Kids, 5k and 10k events in Blackpool.
 
177 Squadron (Blackpool Air Cadet’s personal story and motivation behind their participation in Race for Life will be displayed on a giant back sign at the venue – like the signs worn by participants on their backs and a key element of both the events and this year’s campaign. The wall is designed to mirror the hugely emotional reflection area set up on event day, where participants come together to remember loved ones lost to cancer, celebrate the lives of those dear to them who have survived or support those going through treatment. They will also feature in a social media campaign with posts on the Cancer Research UK’s North West Events Twitter account (@CRUKEventsNW).
 
When asked what Race for Life events mean to them, they explained: “We started helping Cancer Research UK with the Blackpool Race for Life about ten years ago now, simply to assist with a community event, however now we do it in memory of Flight Lieutenant Philip Massey RAFVR(T). Phil was the Squadron Adjutant of our Air Cadet Squadron and a member of the Air Training Corps for over fifty years. He was an aviation enthusiast and an amazing instructor for all matters shooting - he would accompany the cadets to all sorts of events, even if he had no interest in the event subject, because the success and development of the cadets was all that concerned him.”
 
To those who have not yet signed up, they urge them to do so, adding: “The events are really good fun, and we love being there at the finish line to cheer everyone on and hand out the medals.”
 
Laura Cass, Cancer Research UK’s Blackpool Event Manager, said: “We’re very grateful to 177 Squadron Blackpool Air Cadets for their support with this campaign. By following their lead and joining the Race for Life in Blackpool, people can make a real difference in the fight against cancer.”
 
“Our Race for Life events are fun, colourful, emotional and uplifting. You don’t need to be sporty to take part. You don’t have to train, and you certainly don’t need to compete against anyone else. It’s a perfect example of everyday people doing an extraordinary thing – uniting in a common cause to beat cancer.”
 
Laura continued: “We encourage our participants to help raise money in whatever way they like – there are lots of ideas on the Race for Life website.”
 
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 series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
 
This year, for the first time, Cancer Research UK is inviting everyone – women, men and children – to join the Race for Life.
 
To join Race for Life today visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.