THIS year's Cwmbran Race for Life has been cancelled.

Organisers had originally moved the popular event - which attracted almost 1,000 runners last year - back from June 14 to September 20.

The decision has been made in line with the cancellation of all 400 Race for Life events across the UK due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Cassandra Miles, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Wales, said: “We remain tirelessly committed to making progress for people affected by cancer but now more than ever, support from the public will be vital. We simply will not be able to continue funding our life-saving work without it.

“Since it began in 1994, Race for Life has raised over £890m for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken part and hope their support will continue.

“We know Race for Life is such a treasured part of the UK’s events calendar and it is with a heavy heart that for the first time in 27 years we have to announce that it won’t be taking place. The safety of our supporters, volunteers, suppliers and staff is however essential.

“We hope the Race for Life event series will be back bigger and stronger than ever in 2021. In the meantime, we’d love to invite as many people as possible to join us by taking part in Race for Life at Home in these challenging times.”

Participants who have already signed up will be contacted directly by the charity, and will be given the option to request a refund or donate their entry fee

Despite the event being called off for this year, participants can still show their support for the charity by completing a Race for Life at home, or in their local community.

People can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for ideas on how they can create their own special challenge, which can be shared on social media using the hashtag #RaceForLifeAtHome

Ms Miles said: “Cancer hasn’t stopped and people affected by cancer need our support more than ever.

“From a run or 5K walk around the garden or local park to limbo in the living room, there is no wrong way to Race for Life at Home.

“With no entry fee, people might choose to twerk, star jump, squat, skip, dance, trampoline, or come up with their own novel way of taking part and share it with friends.

“We’re urging everyone – men women and children – to join our community and help raise vital funds.”