DETERMINED fundraisers across Colchester are set to Race for Life at Home as they refuse to let the fight against cancer falter due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers Cancer Research UK have postponed Race for Life events to protect the country’s health during the coronavirus outbreak.

This includes the Race for Life 5k at Castle Park, Colchester, which was due to take place on July 14 and has now been rescheduled for October 4.

But as the country continues on lockdown, undeterred fundraisers are vowing to carry on and complete a Race for Life challenge at home to raise funds and support the charity.

Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK’s spokesman for Colchester, said: “At a time when it feels like everything is at a standstill, there is one thing that hasn’t stopped - cancer.

“Our priority as a charity is ensuring people affected by cancer are getting the support they need right now.

“We are already getting people asking about doing Race for Life at Home because they don’t want to see the charity lose out on vital funding and because they feel the fight against cancer shouldn’t stop for anything – even coronavirus.

“It’s truly humbling to see the response.”

Many of the scientists and researchers funded by Cancer Research UK are currently being redeployed to help in the fight against Covid-19, including assisting with testing.

By helping to beat coronavirus, the charity can lessen the impact it is having on the care of cancer patients.

The charity is appealing to Race for Life supporters to take part in Race for Life at Home by walking, jogging or running 5kms around the garden or front rooms.

People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create their own Race for Life at Home challenge.

Organisers are also inviting participants to join the Race for Life at Home community by sharing photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #RaceForLifeAtHome.

Mr Keely added: “Cancer is still happening right now and we want to do everything we can to help give people more tomorrows with their loved ones.

“At a time when we’re having to keep apart from each other, there is still a way to unite. We’re urging everyone who has supported Race for Life in the past to please continue supporting us.”