SCOTTISH tennis coach Judy Murray has been appointed as Worldwide Cancer Research’s first-ever “curestarter coach”.
The new role is aimed at encouraging people across the UK to participate in cancer cure research to boost efforts to find a cure, and is of great personal significance to Murray.
Having lost two of her closest friends to cancer, Murray is determined to use her platform to rally the public to raise funds in the fight against the illness, which affects an estimated one in two people.
Murray said: “Losing my close friends to cancer taught me how this disease really can affect anyone. They were both active, healthy, and mums like me.
“We’ve all been affected by cancer in some way, and we need to all work together to find new cures. I know, in my heart, that we can do it, and the cutting-edge discovery research carried out every day by the team at Worldwide Cancer Research gives me so much hope for the future.”
Since it was founded in 1979, Scottish-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research (WCR) has contributed more than £200 million to cancer research projects across the globe.
Much of this can be attributed to its army of dedicated curestarters and their fundraising endeavours.
Murray’s appointment as the first-ever curestarter coach will see her advise and encourage those beginning their charity journey.
She will be offering tips on getting involved in their first races, staying motivated and fundraising – a role that she is relishing.
She said: “Worldwide Cancer Research already has an amazing community of curestarters that go above and beyond to support the work carried out by the charity, but we mustn’t stop there.
“I’m really excited to support those already doing amazing work to raise funds and awareness but also encourage people to become curestarters for the first time. It’s through this work that together, we’ll stop cancer.”
Judy's son, Wimbledon winner and Scottish sporting legend Andy Murray, has also campaigned to raise funds to battle cancer.
His friend and hitting partner Ross Hutchins was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and has since recovered.
Dr Helen Rippon, CEO of Worldwide Cancer Research, praised Murray’s tenacity, grit and determination in the face of personal tragedy.
She said: “Judy has had a hugely inspirational life, never giving up on her goal of coaching grand-slam-winning tennis players and contributing to incredible advances for women in sport.
“We’re delighted to be working with her to spread the motivation that’s led her to such great things, and encourage fundraisers, researchers and donors to never give up on starting cures for cancer.”
You can become a Curestarter today, by visiting: worldwidecancerresearch.org
