REALITY TV star Leanne Quigley is calling on people in Salisbury to start the New Year with purpose by joining the Race for Life after the event played a powerful role in her own family’s cancer journey.

The Traitors contestant knows first-hand what the charity’s flagship fundraiser means.

Last summer, Leanne and her fiancé Sophie Jones took part in a Race for Life Pretty Muddy event with friends and family after Sophie was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Together, their team raised more than £1,200 and crossed the finish line at what Leanne describes as an emotional turning point.

Now, with Sophie in remission, Leanne is backing Cancer Research UK’s 2026 Race for Life season, which returns to Hudson’s Field in Salisbury on June 21.

The event is open to all ages and abilities, with both 5k and 10k options available.

All ages and abilities can take part in Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

Leanne, 30, said: “I’m all in against cancer. It was incredibly hard watching Sophie, the person I love, go through cancer and it put life into perspective.

“It was our gang, our close family and friends who got us through the toughest of times. Crossing the finish line at Race for Life with these people was unforgettable.

“Sophie is back at work now, we’re planning our wedding and our twin boys turn three in January so there’s plenty to look forward too. And we’re supporting Race for Life to help others facing cancer right now.”

Sophie, 33, was treated for HER2 positive breast cancer with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

One of the drugs she received, Herceptin, was developed through research led by Cancer Research UK scientists and is now the gold standard treatment for this type of breast cancer.

Every year, around 38,400 people are diagnosed with cancer in the South West, underlining the importance of events like Race for Life, which raises millions of pounds annually for life-saving research.

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South West, said: “It’s time for Salisbury to go all in against cancer.

“Whether you’re a five-a-side crew, book club, dance troupe, yoga club, fancy doing something fun with your friends- or on your own- we want everyone to join us.

“Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. Race for Life powers progress and it relies on a whole community of people coming together, united by a common purpose to beat cancer.

“For those who do enjoy a challenge, our 10k events will again be chip timed, perfect for anyone wanting to track their progress or aim for a personal best. But Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run and go at their own pace. What matters most is showing up together. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone.”

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, helping to fund decades of progress – including nearly doubling breast cancer survival rates in the UK.

Those who sign up during January can also claim 30% off their entry fee as part of a New Year sale.

To find out more or sign up, visit Race for Life | Cancer Research UK