Bathgate and Linlithgow MP sounds horn to start Race for Life event at South Queensferry
People of all ages united against cancer by taking part in Scotland's first 2025 Race for Life events.
Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow, was chosen to sound the horn at the start line to send hundreds off on the 3k, 5k and 10k courses in the picturesque grounds of Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.
More than £108,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK- vital funds which will enable scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer- to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. And 30 miles away, in the University of Stirling grounds near Gannochy Sports Centre £95,000 was raised on Sunday at Race for Life Stirling.
Kirsteen said: 'It's a privilege to support Race for Life in honour of everyone going through cancer right now.
'Almost every family, including my own, has been affected by cancer. The outlook for people with cancer has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to the efforts of Cancer Research UK and wonderful fundraisers making sure the best research is available to help get the best outcomes.
'Thankfully, there are many more effective treatments out there today, making it possible for people to live well with cancer for many years. But it's important we continue to make progress and to ensure the research is there to support that.'
The Rock Choir from Livingston, Linlithgow and Edinburgh also performed hits including Green Green Grass by George Ezra and Club Tropicana by Wham. Brothers eight-year-old Quinn Duffy and Leo Duffy, 10, who are both members of Linlithgow Athletics Club were first home in the 3k completing the course in 12 mins 40 seconds.
And 13-year-old Orla Oakley, of Livingston Athletics Club was first home in the 5k in 23 minutes 22 seconds, raising £230 for Cancer Research UK helped by her twin sister Isla Oakley, her brother Ruaridh Oakley, 10, and her mum Catherine Oakley, 45. The family took part in honour of an uncle who currently has cancer.
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson in Scotland, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life.
'No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for.
'Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact.
'Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
'It was a fantastic day at Race for Life, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease.
'Now we're asking everyone who took part to return the money they're raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference. '
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