Basingstoke ObserverTHE BASINGSTOKE Concert Band is calling on the town to march to the same tune and raise funds for lifesaving research at the Race for Life’s brand-new location next month.
The 40-piece wind band will be playing at the bandstand at the town’s War Memorial Park on Sunday May 29th to accompany participants as they run, jog or walk in honour of friends and loved ones affected by cancer.
Band spokesperson, Tim Fennell, said: “Like most people, our band members are only too aware of the impact cancer can have on our lives. In recent years, individual band members have been affected themselves as well as everyone being touched in some way through the experience of family members, friends or work colleagues. It is for this reason that the band has decided to support this worthwhile cause and we hope all the runners and supporters enjoy our music.”
Every year around 1,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in Basingstoke and one in two people in the UK born after 1960 will get cancer in their lifetime. Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer - helping to save more lives.
The Race for Life Basingstoke, in partnership with Tesco, is open to people of all ages and abilities.Women, men and children can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a mud-splattered obstacle course and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option.
Anyone who enters between Monday April 4 and Monday April 18 can claim a 30 percent off the entry fee as part of a special sale by using the code EASTER30.
Area event manager, Kimberley Degville, said: “The new Basingstoke location is extremely exciting. It’s within walking distance from the city centre, but still adopts the feeling of being in the countryside with plenty of matured trees and garden features. The course goes past the public bird aviary and the beautiful band stand and offers a brilliant chance to explore the new woodland route.”
Basingstoke Concert Band, which has been in existence for almost 50 years, will entertain supporters and participants throughout the day with a repertoire of arrangements from shows and films, light classical pieces, military music and dance band pieces.
They rehearse every Wednesday evening at Sherfield-on-Loddon Village Hall and are keen to enrol new members, particularly those who play french horn, baritone saxophone, bass/tuba, bassoon or percussion.
Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South East, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the members of Basingstoke Concert Band for helping us to launch our new Race for Life location and place it firmly in people’s minds.
The War Memorial Park is a fitting location for people to remember those affected by cancer as they join together and raise money to help beat the disease.
Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer or signing up to protect their own children’s future, everyone has a reason to Race for Life. So we’re asking people across the region: Who will you Race for?
We’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Basingstoke will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”
To enter, visit raceforlife.org
