Run for their future: RBC Race for the Kids to return to London this October to help beat childhood cancer

Thousands are expected to lace up their trainers in Hyde Park this October as RBC Race for the Kids returns to raise vital funds for a new Children's Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) - which will bring life-changing care and hope to children facing cancer across the UK.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) is inviting families and supporters from across the UK to take part in the much-loved 5km or 2km event on Saturday 11 October - whether walking, jogging, wheeling, or scooting through London’s Hyde Park.

Now in its 16th year, RBC Race for the Kids – sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) – is open to participants of all ages and abilities. At the finish line, participants will be welcomed into an event village packed with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, music, and refreshments.

All funds raised will go towards GOSH Charity’s Build it. Beat it. appeal to help build a world-leading new Children’s Cancer Centre at GOSH, which will help transform children’s cancer care. Cancer is the biggest killer of children aged one to 14 in the UK, with five children being diagnosed every day.

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 develop more breakthroughs and help more children beat cancer once and for all.

GOSH Charity is expecting thousands of supporters to take part in this year's race, but those unable to attend in person can still get involved by signing up for RBC Race for the Kids at Home or RBC Race for the Kids at School. Virtual participants can complete the challenge locally, or schools can take part between 6-10 October, helping pupils to get active while supporting a vital cause.

Liz Tait, Director of Fundraising at GOSH Charity, said: "RBC Race for the Kids is such a special event and this year is bringing together thousands of people with one shared goal – to help beat childhood cancer. Every pound raised will take us closer to building a new Children’s Cancer Centre at GOSH, where children can receive specialist care in a world-class facility designed for them.

“Whether joining us in Hyde Park or virtually, every participant will be helping transform cancer care - giving seriously ill children the best chance and childhood possible.”

Desiree Clarke Noble, Head of Sustainability & Impact, RBC Capital Markets and RBC Europe said: “RBC Race for the Kids is a cornerstone of our commitment to supporting the communities where we live and work and has raised more than C$100m since the global series began in 2009.

“Locally, we are proud to partner with GOSH Charity to help make a tangible difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Together we can help create a brighter future for these young patients.”

Adult entry costs £17.50 for the 2km race or £21.50 for the 5km route and children aged 16 and under can take part for free. To sign up or learn more, visit: https://race.gosh.org/

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About Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity)   

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) stops at nothing to help give seriously ill children childhoods that are fuller, funner and longer. For the hundreds of children from all over the UK who are treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) every day, for children with rare or complex illnesses everywhere, for this generation and all those to come.

GOSH has been transforming the lives of seriously ill children since opening its doors in 1852 and has always depended on charitable support. GOSH Charity funds groundbreaking research into children’s health, cutting-edge medical equipment, child-centred medical facilities and the support services children and families going through the toughest journey of their lives urgently need.  But there is so much more we need to do.

Together with our supporters, we can give seriously ill children the best chance, and the best childhoods, possible. Because we believe no childhood should be lost to serious illness.

Join us, visit gosh.org today.

About Royal Bank of Canada

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S., the UK and 26 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com

RBC has a long history in Europe and has operated in the region since 1910 to serve corporate, institutional and high-net worth clients. Today, it provides a wide array of financial products and services, which are delivered by over 5,300 employees from offices in the UK, the Channel Islands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Spain. RBC delivers financial products and services in Europe under the global brands RBC Capital Markets, RBC Wealth Management, RBC Brewin Dolphin, RBC Global Asset Management and RBC BlueBay Asset Management. For more information, please visit www.rbc.com/europe

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at https://www.rbc.com/our-impact