Reality TV star Leanne Quigley, winner of BBC's The Traitors, is calling on the people of Essex to make a powerful start to the New Year by registering for Cancer Research UK's iconic Race for Life series. The charity's beloved events will return across the UK from May to July, uniting communities in the fight against cancer.
New Year Discount and Essex Event Details
In a special January promotion, anyone who signs up can claim a significant 30% discount on the entry fee by using the code RFL26NY. The funds raised are critically important, especially in the East of England where approximately 38,200 people receive a cancer diagnosis each year.
This year, a series of Race for Life events suitable for all ages and abilities will be held at locations across Essex:
- Chelmsford: A full programme at Hylands Park on July 19, featuring Pretty Muddy 5k, Pretty Muddy Kids, and 3k, 5k & 10k routes.
- Basildon: Events at Gloucester Park on Saturday, June 13, including Pretty Muddy Kids, Pretty Muddy, and 3k & 5k options.
- Brentwood: 3k, 5k and 10k events at Weald Country Park on Saturday, May 16.
- Harlow: 3k, 5k and 10k runs in Harlow Town Park on May 3.
- Southend-on-Sea: A 5k event at Garon Park on Sunday, May 10.
- Colchester: A 5k at Lower Castle Park on July 19.
A Personal Mission for Leanne and Sophie
Leanne's advocacy is deeply personal. Her fiancée, Sophie Jones, 33, was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in July 2024. Following Sophie's diagnosis, the couple formed a team and took on a Pretty Muddy event last summer, raising over £1,200—an emotional milestone marking the end of nearly a year of treatment.
Sophie's treatment included five rounds of chemotherapy and two weeks of radiotherapy. Among the drugs she received was Herceptin, a treatment whose development was underpinned by Cancer Research UK scientists. The charity also led the clinical trials that proved Herceptin improves survival, establishing it as the gold standard of care for this aggressive breast cancer type.
"I'm all in against cancer," said Leanne, 30. "It was incredibly hard watching Sophie, the person I love, go through cancer, and it put life into perspective. Crossing the finish line at Race for Life with our close family and friends was unforgettable."
With Sophie now in remission, back at work, and the couple planning their wedding while raising their twin boys, Leanne added: "We're supporting Race for Life to help others facing cancer right now."
Joining the Fight: Everyone is Welcome
Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK's spokesperson for the East of England, emphasised the inclusive nature of the events: "It's time for Essex to go all in against cancer... Sadly, nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it."
He confirmed that while the 10k events will be chip-timed for those seeking a personal challenge, Race for Life is non-competitive. Participants are free to walk, jog, or run at their own pace. "What matters most is showing up together," he stated.
Since its inception in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding three decades of scientific progress. Cancer Research UK's work has been instrumental in nearly doubling breast cancer survival rates in the UK over the past 50 years and proving the link between tobacco and cancer.
To enter any of the Essex events and claim the January discount, visit raceforlife.org.
