Team FORCE smash it at the 2026 Great West Run

Team FORCE has again pulled out all the stops at this year’s Great West Run.

Nearly 450 people ran either the half marathon or 10K around the streets of Exeter and beyond in Sunday’s sweltering heat to support FORCE Cancer Charity.

Between them they have raised more than £135,000 so far, which will support local people dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

Chloe Richardson, event fundraiser for FORCE, said: “It was a great day and we are astounded by the support and love for FORCE from our runners.

“It was humbling to hear all their stories, the reasons why they were running for FORCE and the gratitude for the support they’ve been given. We are so grateful to everyone who took part.

“We also had 65 volunteers around the course, cheering on the runners, giving out water and handing out medals. They made a real impact and we can’t thank them enough.”

Amazing

Scott Romsey has been part of Team FORCE in 2025 and 2026 and has already signed up for next year.

“It was and is a privilege to run on behalf of FORCE Cancer Charity. It’s a charity that has supported a family member through cancer. You guys are amazing, keep up the amazing work,” he said.

Debbie Keast added: “It was so hot out there today but job done for such an amazing local charity! Thank you to all the volunteers at FORCE Cancer Charityor making today’s run go so well. I appreciated seeing you as I was running the 10K today. in that heat a friendly cheer was what was needed.”

BBC Spotlight presenter Victoria Graham ran the 10K for FORCE with her husband, Jon, in memory of her dad.

She admitted to being nervous and excited and said: “The main thing is I don’t want to let anyone down. There are so many people that have sponsored me and I just want to do it for them and also have my dad in my mind He died 10 years ago so this year it’s 10K for 10 years.”

Wonderful

Stuart Smith was one of the first users of the FORCE Support and Information Centre when it first opened in 2004.

“So, I do as much as I can to help support them,” he said.

It was Jane Woodman’s second GWR for FORCE, this time in memory of good friend Tim Deasy, who died last year, and will also be taking part in the charity’s Snowdon at Night challenge in August.

“FORCE were wonderful with him (Tim) and his family and they’ve really looked after his family since. It’s just been amazing to see and I’d like to be able to keep supporting FORCE as much as possible so that they’re always here for people that need them,” said Jane.

Emma Tallack (pictured) is one of the top fundraisers for FORCE at this year’s Great West Run with nearly £2,000 in sponsorship.

Emma’s employers, Jackson Stops in Exeter, were happy to make up the total of Emma’s fundraising to £2,000 as she is a valued member of staff and they were delighted to support a worthwhile local charity.

She said: “It felt really good to be part of something special on Sunday. The support from FORCE and the encouragement of the crowds spurred me on.

Unique

“I last did the Great West Run for FORCE 10 years ago and that was in support of a dear friend who had cancer.

“I ran this time, partly to acknowledge the excellent help given by FORCE to several friends and their families but also because I have listened to my partner who volunteers at the FORCE Centre and tells me about the fantastic help given to everyone who visits – whether this is someone newly diagnosed needing help to process their condition to relatives needing support and understanding to those needing counselling and other therapies or just a quiet space for people to sit and take some time out.

“FORCE is unique and I’m proud to support them and know that every penny raised will help towards genuine care and help at a difficult time.”

As the number of people diagnosed with cancer rises and people live longer than ever before with the disease, FORCE is seeing an increased demand for the services it offers in Exeter, Ottery St Mary, Tiverton ad Cullompton.

Grateful

The charity provides free practical and emotional support to local people affected by cancer – patients and their families – without any Government or NHS funding.

“We are an independent charity. Most of our work is funded by local donations, grants, legacies, our award-winning shop and of course, amazing fundraising from events like the Great West Run,” said FORCE CEO Kate Few-Singh.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who chooses to donate and support FORCE. We hear every day how valuable and life-changing this support has been and we continue to provide this support free of charge to all who need it, thanks to your generosity.”