History

Our Race for Life began as a grassroots initiative in Guernsey, sparked by Dani's desire to bring the community together in a shared mission to fight cancer. As a passionate local volunteer, the event was inspired by the national Race for Life movement but tailored to the island’s unique spirit and needs.

 

Dani explains, 'I first ran Race for Life in 2009 when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, and continued to take part every year. Later, after discovering I was a BRCA2 carrier and undergoing preventative double mastectomy surgery, the race took on an even deeper meaning. Supported by my friend Mel, who ran beside me year after year, the event gave me a sense of belonging and comfort, a reminder that my family and I were not alone in our journey.'

 

When events began again post-Covid, Dani noticed that Race for Life was no longer being held in Guernsey. After learning it had been dropped for not being “profitable enough,” she was determined to change that. Gathering a few friends and spreading the word on social media, the event was relaunched separate from the national event. With the support of Claire Tostevin we created a route and set up Race Nation. KGV was on board and had a wealth of information from running many events, they provided us with a venue as well as support with organising traffic, and insurances. That year we raised over £10,000 and had 270 participants. 

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The event has grown each year and four years on, Our Race for Life has raised over £100,000, with strong local support from businesses and volunteers ensuring that as much money as possible goes directly to Cancer Research UK – Guernsey.