Race For Life Southampton: Hundreds flock to charity race

Cancer survivor, Michelle Edwards, 54, was diagnosed with Endometrial cancer last year and had to have surgery. 

Georgina Edwards, Joshua Edwards, Michelle Edwards and Molly Newell (Image: NQ)

Both Michelle and her family took to the race to run the 5k, including Michelle's 18-year-old autistic son Joshua.

She said: "Its hard but you just have to take it in your stride and just keep going. Joshua told me I want to run for you this year mum and so here we are supporting each other and all those who have been affected by cancer."

Twenty-six-year-old, Max Wood, lost his mum to cancer in March. 

Max Wood, 26 (Image: NQ)

He said: "Mum had a really rare form of cancer known as GISTs - I'm racing today for her with my good friend Holly. 

"I was panicking a bit when I saw it was going to be in the high 20 degrees - I'm really not built for that kind of heat but I'm going to make mum proud and give it the best go I can. 

"I've been trying to do some late evening jogging to get myself prepared for today. I did the couch to 5K and it helped me enormously.

"To anyone thinking of doing race for life, just get up and go - there are so many people to support you and champion your cause. Its all about getting out your comfort zone - for me, just being here today is a huge step forward and I'm loving every minuet of it." 
 

Dave and Debby Wheelhouse, 67 and 66 respectively both walked the 5K race at Southampton Common. 

The pair said that despite the scorching temperatures noting was going to stop them running in aid of cancer. 

Dave and Debby Wheelhouse (Image: NQ)

Dave said: "We have friends siblings and parents who have all be affected by cancer - we will be thinking of them when we are going around the track."

Debbie added: "Cancer just affects so many people - we were supposed to be running with a third member of our team today but sadly she is going through treatment at the moment.

"We have managed to raise around £700 and we are so grateful for everyone who donated - people have been so generous."
 

Hallie Oldham-Arnett, 49, said: "Its really hot out here today - this is my second year running. 

Hallie Oldham-Arnett (Image: NQ)

"I've got absolutely no strategy or game plan I'm just going to give it a go and see how I get on. 

"My dad had colon cancer and my mum is currently in hospital with cancer - I'm running for them today and really want to maker them proud. 

"I know the course really well and I'm glad to have raised a few hundred pounds - every penny counts when it comes to cancer. 

"I would say to anyone, just get off your backside raise a bit of cash and come and enjoy yourself." 

Selina Williams, 32, from Fair Oak and Nikki Lewin, 48, from Bitterne Park were both running in the 5K race.

Selina Williams from Fair Oak and Nikki Lewin from Bitterne Park (Image: NQ)

Nikki said: "We knew it was going to be so hot doing the race today - but it doesn't matter what the weather is like we are doing it for a great cause.

Selina said: "We are running for my step daughter Olivia who passed away in December of last year at the age of 11 of Leukaemia." 

Olivia was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, got into remission in 2023 and relapsed in 2024 - passing away six months later. 

Selina continued: "Olivia did the race herself when she was fighting cancer - we pushed her through the course on her wheelchair in 2023 and 2024. 

"We are really pleased to have raised more than £2,000."

(Image: NQ)

Nikki added: "We are going to take the race a a nice steady pace and get to the finish line."

Taking to the main stage at the Southampton Race for life2025 was Olivia's Dad, Graham Blyth, 33, who was using his knowledge as a personal trainer to help the crowds warm up before the race.   

Olivia's Dad, Graham Blyth (Image: NQ)

He said: "So many people are affected by cancer - its the families as well that have suffered through such hardship watching cancer's devastating impact. 

"I have been showing the amazing runners some dynamic stretching so they don't get injured or pull a muscle. For 10 years I have been doing warm-ups at race for life and supporting the event."

Summer vibes for over 2,500 people at @raceforlife Southampton today!
The 10k is underway!
Remember to apply sunscreen for our 3k, 5k and Pretty Muddy events to follow. And look out for your pix in the @dailyecho as @snapperstu is here! 📸@CR_UK pic.twitter.com/xDsh5BNoer

— CRUK Elisa Mitchell (@ElisaMitchTV) June 21, 2025

The 10k race is underway so here are some great action shots from photographer Stuart Martin.

Southampton Race for Life 2025. 10k race. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Southampton Race for Life 2025. 10k race. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Southampton Race for Life 2025. 10k race. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Meet the Totten family who, alongside their friends, have raised £12,757 for Cancer Research so far.

They are running for 24-year-old  Macaulay Totten who is having treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

(Image: Stuart Martin)

Get in touch

Are you taking part? Do you have a suitably extravagant pink outfit, or a story to tell?

Then get in touch with us for a chance to be featured in Monday's paper.

Email newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk

Good morning!

Southampton Common is a sea of pink as the annual Race For Life in aid of Cancer Research gets underway.