Cancer Research UK to host BSL interpreter At Race For Life

Esmail Patel, CEO and founder of DEAF who is also deaf himself

Cancer Research UK have some exciting plans for their Race for Life event in Manchester this year.

For the first time, the charity has invited a British Sign Language interpreter on stage to be part of their 5k event on Sunday 9 July, which will take place in Heaton Park.

Organisers have been working with Manchester Deaf Centre and deaf awareness organisation Deaf Education Advocacy Fellowship (DEAF), and have recognised the need for Race for Life events to be more inclusive to the deaf community. As a result, all commentary leading up to their 11am event will be translated by a BSL signer.

Now the charity are calling on women of all ages and abilities in Manchester to join the fight against cancer by signing up right now at raceforlife.org.

Kirsti Thompson, Event Manager for Race for Life in Manchester, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce the presence of a BSL interpreter on stage at this year’s Race for Life. Manchester has a huge deaf community and we are hoping that we will make our event more accessible for these people this year, and encourage people to sign up who may not have considered taking part previously.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate, so it’s important that we aim to include everyone in our events. The route at Heaton Park is also wheelchair accessible with assistance and we invite people of all abilities to join the fight to beat cancer sooner.

“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Research is very expensive and the only way we can afford to fund it is with the help of our supporters. Money raised through Race for Life - whether it’s £10 or £100 - will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.”

Esmail Patel, CEO and founder of DEAF added: “There are 10 million Deaf and Hard of the Hearing in the UK and over 12,000 BSL users in the North West. The Deaf community often have limited information and awareness of cancer issues and events due to the communication barriers that they face, so I am delighted to be working with Cancer Research UK this year to try and overcome this.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy, Marathon and Hiking events which raises millions of pounds every year to find new ways to tackle cancer.

As part of the partnership in Manchester, DEAF will also be attending the event with a stall on the day to speak about the importance of deaf awareness and answer any questions people might have.

Kirsti continued: “Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run around the course. Every step participants take will help to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured and we want to give all women of Manchester the best experience on the day.

“We’re sending out a rallying cry to Manchester women of all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes to sign up right now and stand united in the fight against cancer.”