Sam and Bailey Manning – Earlier this year, I celebrated my 50th birthday—a milestone that meant so much to me. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. It was a life-altering moment, but thanks to the exceptional care I received, the cancer was successfully removed, and I was given the gift of recovery. To honour that journey, I’ve committed to this charity run—not just for myself, but for my mum and other beloved family members who have also been affected by cancer. My daughter and I will be running side by side, carrying with us the memories of those we’ve loved, supported, and lost.

This run is our way of giving back, standing strong, and showing that together, we can make a difference.

Sadie Munro - I’m taking on the Pretty Muddy 5k because cancer has touched the lives of people I care deeply about – friends and family who’ve faced it with so much strength. This is my way of doing something positive in their honour, to raise money and awareness, and to show them – and everyone going through it – that they’re not alone.

Gemma Hanton-Abbott & Brooke Hanton - My daughter and I are taking part in the Pretty Muddy 5k in memory of the loved ones we have lost to Cancer, and we wanted to raise money in honour of all of those who have been affected.

Cherry Seymour - My baby sister was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago! No family history and found by routine mammogram. She underwent invasive chemotherapy which was horrendous, then followed by a mastectomy, removal of all lymph nodes and reconstruction. The Doctors and Nurses were amazing, supportive, and so caring. The day she rang the bell, I was truly humbled and moved by the whole experience. When you see a loved one go through such an awful time, it truly makes you so very grateful. Cancer is such an awful disease that affects so many; it will be good to give something back to help fight this awful disease.

Nichola Hill - I’m doing Pretty Muddy for a number of reasons really, my nan and aunt both passed away from breast cancer, my dad passed away from a brain tumour 4 years ago and a friend of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. This challenge is in their honour!

Simona Petrehus - I love challenges and especially knowing this effort is for a good cause makes it meaningful.

Lorna and Aimee Lynch - My daughter and I are running in Pretty Muddy because we’ve lost loved ones to cancer — including my mum and a close friend. My husband also had cancer, but thankfully he’s clear now. We’re doing this to raise money for a great cause and to support Sam in her birthday quest. It also looked like fun — and not as scary as Tough Mudder!

Vanessa Rex - It’s for a great cause and every single penny raised has to be worth it. Plus spending the day with inspiring women, is great in itself.

Alison Kelly - Cancer Research is a cause close to my heart. I’ve lost both of my grandmothers and one of my good friends to cancer, and my dad – along with a few close friends, have also been affected by it. Taking part in this run is my way of honouring their memory, supporting those still fighting, and doing something small but meaningful. I've also always wanted to challenge myself with something like Tough Mudder, but didn’t feel quite ready for it this year. So, when I heard about Pretty Muddy, it felt like the perfect opportunity. It’s in my hometown of Beckenham, in one of my favourite parks, with a group of amazing women, and celebrating Sam’s birthday makes it even more special.

Melanie Mhango - I can’t think of a better way to celebrate - getting muddy, having fun, and supporting a great cause!I lost my brother to cancer, who was sadly diagnosed at stage 4, but he chose not to fight. He gave up after the diagnosis. His wife left him at this point, and I guess he didn’t think there was anything to fight for. But even with this, the care received from the McMillan Nurses and the Hospice team was just amazing. During Rochelle’s stay at the Hospice we had access to a beautiful room, it was like a hotel. We didn’t have to pay a penny and we could stay as long as we wanted and that is why I feel honoured to take part in the fundraising event as I know first hand that it will go for a good cause.

Charlotte Goodfellow-Fernandez - I decided to run the race partly for the challenge… and partly because I momentarily forgot I’m more “cocktails and beach” than “trainers and treadmill”! 😅 In all seriousness, I’m doing it to push myself out of my comfort zone and support a cause I care about alongside a bunch of other fabulous colleagues. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have an extra cocktail after all the training!

Sezen Cafer – This year, I'm taking part in Race for Life in honour of my amazing family members who are bravely fighting cancer. It has been such a tough few years for them all, and I want to do all that I can to help raise awareness and show my support! If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, I would be so grateful! Thank you so much for your support, it truly means the world to me and my wonderful family xx