Moor Park 10k and Fun Runs took place on Sunday 24 September and raised over £60,000 to support patients from Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and north London being treated at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood. 

More than 1,000 runners including 65 schools took part in the event, held at Merchant Taylors’ School.

Many runners were taking part to thank Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre - which is based at the site and offers complementary therapy, information and support to patients and families - for the care they, or their loved ones, had received.

‘Rachel’s warriors’ are a family team from Bushey who took part in the event to raise funds to thank the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre for their support and care of 33-year-old Rachel who sadly passed away in May after being diagnosed with secondary triple negative breast cancer.

Alaster, Rachel’s husband, said: “Rachel and I got married in August last year and settled into our home in Apsley. On New Year’s Eve, Rachel found a lump and was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer a few weeks later.

“Rachel died in May and leaves behind devastated family and friends. We were all so proud to have her in our lives and we wanted to raise funds to thank all the staff who supported her during her treatment.

“Our whole family took part in the event: my brother, Lawrence; my dad, Dave; my mum Roz and also Rachel’s best friend, Hannah. We all wanted to raise funds so that the Lynda Jackson Macmillan Centre can continue to support patients like Rachel.

Rachel's husband, Alaster and her best friend, Hannah

“Rachel was our ‘Rae’ of sunshine. She was a social worker, based at Watford General Hospital, and an advocate for getting people better care and support, so it is fitting that her legacy will help support other people.”

Rachel, who sadly passed away in May this year

Beth McNeil, head of fundraising for East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, which supports Mount Vernon Cancer Centre as well as Hertford County Hospital, Lister Hospital and the New QEII Hospital said: “Thank you to everyone who came along and helped raise such an amazing amount to support patients facing treatment for cancer.

“When I hear stories like Rachel’s, and a family devastated by their recent loss wanting to raise funds to help others, it is incredibly touching and inspiring.

“We shall make sure we put the funds raised in Rachel’s memory, and all the other funds raised, to good use to help support patients and their families going through an extremely difficult time.

“It is never going to be pleasant having treatment for cancer but if we can provide the latest equipment, complementary therapies and lovely outdoor spaces to relax in, we can hopefully make it a little easier for patients and their families.

“If you couldn’t join us at Moor Park this year but wanted to show your support, you can make a donation at: www.enhhcharity.org.uk/mvcc. Thank you.”

You can still sponsor Rachel’s warriors by visiting: www.justgiving.com/team/remembering-rachel.