Harrogate marks the finish line for the Baton for Yorkshire celebrating 500 miles completed for cancer research
A Harrogate woman who has bounced back from illness has played a key role in the final stage of a landmark 500-mile journey across the region for charity.
As part of Yorkshire Cancer Research charity’s We Walk for Yorkshire fundraising campaign The Baton for Yorkshire relay brought together people with cancer, charity supporters and researchers to carry the baton through 35 Yorkshire locations, in recognition of the 35,000 people diagnosed with cancer in the region each year.
Having journeyed through East, South and West Yorkshire for the last month, the Baton for Yorkshire arrived in Skipton last week to begin its final leg through North Yorkshire, passing through Northallerton, Thirsk, Scarborough, York and Knaresborough.
On the final day of the We Walk for Yorkshire relay, Lisa Sumpton was handed the Baton for Yorkshire at the Yorkshire Cancer Research shop in Harrogate town centre.
This month marks a year since the 53-year-old from Harrogate ran a marathon after she finished her cancer treatment, thanks in part to the pioneering cancer exercise treatment she received through Active Together, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Lisa had always led an active lifestyle and loved taking part in running challenges.
When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2023, she didn't know when she would next cross the finish line of a race.
Lisa said: “Before cancer, I loved how exercising outside made me feel fit and healthy.
"I would take part with my friends and we would feel the buzz from running together.
"It was a shock when my consultant confirmed I had cancer and I would have to stop running.
"Thankfully, I was reassured it hadn’t spread elsewhere.”
Following surgery and between chemotherapy sessions, Lisa began going on regular walks, so she could still keep moving and enjoy the fresh air.
During this time, she also attended an assessment with Active Together and went on to take part in pioneering cancer exercise treatment that was scheduled around her hospital treatment.
Lisa not only went on to take part in the London Marathon in 2025 but is now fully back to her active routine.
Keen to give back, she signed up to this year’s We Walk for Yorkshire challenge and successfully completed her target goal of 140 miles throughout May.
Lisa said: “Movement truly is medicine. After everything I gained through Active Together, I want to help the charity fund more vital research and services that support other people with cancer.
"Holding the Baton for Yorkshire represents just how far I’ve come.”
Alongside raising vital funds for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire, the relay gave people the opportunity to carry the baton in recognition of someone or something meaningful to them, with personal messages placed inside as it travelled across the region.