YOUNG people from the Wee County at the weekend supported a major fundraising event in nearby Stirling.

Pupils from Lonrshill Academy, along with young people from the Alloa and Stirling branches of Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV), were among those volunteering at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Live Stirling 2024 event.

The race, held on May 5, raised some £94,000 to enable scientists in finding ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, helping to save more lives.

The event saw 614 people take on 5k and 10k courses starting at the Gannochy Sports Centre at the University of Stirling on Sunday.

Courageous mum Alison McLaughlin, who completed treatment for breast cancer just months ago, was chosen as the VIP to kick off the race, the first of its kind in Scotland in this year’s calendar.

Alison, 52 from Causewayhead in Stirling, said: “When a cancer diagnosis came chapping at my door there was no running away.

“I had to put my big girl pants on and deal with whatever was coming my way.

“Of course that felt frightening and at first I did ask, ‘why me?

“People would say to me they were sorry I had cancer but I’d always tell them, ‘don’t be sorry, cancer has picked the wrong person here.’

“I tried to do everything I could to stay smiling and I was looked after well.

“I’m grateful for the treatments which mean I’m here today.

“Now I want to do everything I can to support others, to reach out to people going through cancer and to help.”

The young people from Lornshill Academy and from PSYV were happy to support the event, helping to hand out medals at the finish line.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, added: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Stirling. 

 “No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for.

“Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime.

“Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.”