Ready, Set, Race for Childhood
RBC Race for the Kids to return to London this October to raise vital funds for new Children’s Cancer Centre.
Registration is now open for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity’s (GOSH Charity) flagship family fun run, as thousands expected to take part.
RBC Race for the Kids is set to return to London’s Hyde Park this October, with thousands of participants expected to take part to help GOSH Charity build a world-leading new Children's Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Families and supporters from across the UK are invited to walk, jog, wheel or scoot the 5km or 2km route when the popular fundraising event returns on Saturday 10 October.
Now in its 17th year, the much-loved event is open to participants of all ages and abilities. After crossing the finish line, participants can enjoy a family festival filled with live entertainment, music, refreshments and family-friendly activities.
Funds raised through the event will support GOSH Charity's biggest-ever fundraising appeal, Build it. Beat it., which is raising £300m to help build a new Children's Cancer Centre at GOSH.
Cancer remains the biggest killer of children aged one to 14 in the UK, with around 1,900 children diagnosed every year. GOSH cares for children with the hardest to treat cancers and is at the forefront of developing new treatments. But these advances have outstripped the hospital’s current facilities and GOSH needs a new home to deliver more breakthroughs.
The centre will bring specialist care, cutting-edge facilities and pioneering research under one roof. It will also feature new outdoor spaces including a roof garden, to ensure seriously ill children can experience fresh air, play, and nature during hospital stays.
Those unable to participate in person in Hyde Park can complete the challenge in their local area through RBC Race for the Kids: Home Heroes.
Schools can also get involved by holding an RBC Race for the Kids at School event between 5-9 October, giving pupils the opportunity to get active while supporting a vital cause.
Liz Tait, Director of Fundraising at GOSH Charity, said: “We are thrilled that RBC Race for the Kids is returning this October - it's a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to enjoy a truly memorable day while making a lasting difference for children with cancer.
“At GOSH Charity, we believe no childhood should be lost to serious illness. Every pound raised by our incredible supporters will bring us one step closer to building the new Children's Cancer Centre at GOSH, which will help ensure seriously ill children get the best chance and best childhood possible."
Sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), RBC Race for the Kids London has raised more than £12m for the children and families cared for at GOSH since 2010. It was also recently recognised as one of the UK’s fastest-growing charity-owned fundraising events.
Ayesha Patel, President, RBC Europe said: "This year marks our 17th anniversary of RBC Race for the Kids in London, and I'm incredibly proud of what our colleagues have achieved. Across the years, RBC and our employees have donated over £7 million for GOSH Charity. This has helped to fund the RBC Neurosciences Unit and RBC House, which provides family accommodation for over 300 families each year. We're now channelling that support towards the Children's Cancer Centre. Every contribution will fund world-class care and research to help children beat cancer.
“Since 2009, RBC Race for the Kids globally has attracted over 525,000 participants and raised over £62 million for youth charities. What started as one race has become something far bigger – a testament to our collective commitment to making a real difference in the communities where we live and work.”
Adult entry costs £20 for the 2km route and £25 for the 5km route. Entry costs £10 for children aged five to 15, while children under five can take part for free.
Click here to sign up or to find out more information.
