A CANCER patient and long-standing fundraiser is calling on others to join Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Marlies Fuchs - known to all as Molly - from Settle, who is receiving palliative treatment for secondary breast cancer, is a veteran of many Race for Life events.

Although no longer able to take part, she’s urging others to sign up for the event at The Stray, Harrogate on Sunday July 10, to raise funds for life-saving research.

Molly, 57, took part in her first Race for Life in 2004 and completed a number of the events over the years.

With cancer affecting many family members, including her dad, Kaspar, who died of bowel cancer and her mum, Mavis, Molly is encouraging others to join her in raising funds.

“It’s not just something that affects me; it’s affected my whole family,” she said.

Molly said that taking part in organised runs and races, including Race for Life, had been a good way to get to know others and she stressed that ability wasn’t an issue.

“I’ve got friends from years and years ago because of running. I still have contact with the running community – it’s a fantastic community.

“Running and charity for me go hand in hand, from my first 5k and Race for Life in 2004 to 10ks, half marathons and finally the London Marathon. In my head I was this long legged, ponytail bouncing gazelle - unfortunately the reality was somewhat different.

“I cannot relive the past, only appreciate the things I did and the wonderful memories I still hold close. Whether running, jogging or walking, Race for Life could be your stepping stone to other things – go for it and while doing so raise money for a worthwhile cause.”

Following her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2015, Molly, who previously worked for a travel company, underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After completing her treatment, she continued running and raising funds for Cancer Research UK and other charities.

When her diagnosis prevented her from taking part in a planned official Race for Life in 2015, she decided to complete the equivalent distance closer to home, raising £750. She was rewarded with a medal from the charity.

In 2020 she was told that she had secondary cancer in her pelvis and is now receiving palliative chemotherapy.

She’s spending time with friends and family, enjoying holidays and fulfilling her bucket list ambitions, such as dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant and trying on wedding dresses. Formerly a keen horse rider, Molly hopes to be able to saddle up again.

She said it was important to join events such as Race for Life because of the difference it will make for those who have cancer in the future.

“The things I get involved with won’t help me, because my life is limited but it will help people in the future. Sometimes you’ve not got to think about yourself, you’ve got to think about how it will affect other generations and other people going forward.”

Every year, around 33,300 people are diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire & the Humber*. Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

The Race for Life events at The Stray in Harrogate, on Sunday July 10, are open to people of all ages and abilities. Women, men and children can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also an opportunity to take part in Pretty Muddy, a mud-splattered obstacle course and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, raises funds for world-class research to help beat 200 types of cancer – including bowel cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, brain cancer, children’s cancers and leukaemia.

To enter, visit raceforlife.org