Hayley Tamaddon and Dancing on Ice's Dan Whiston to join Blackpool's Race for Life in memory of Casualty star

Blackpool’s very own Hayley Tamaddon is set to take on Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK in Blackpool this week in tribute to her best friends.

The actress and presenter will be joined on the course by her Dancing on Ice partner Dan Whiston, with the pair both taking part in the seaside fundraiser tomorrow (July 1).

Hayley, best known for her roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, said she was thrilled to be taking part in her hometown describing the event as “deeply personal” as she prepares to join thousands for the emotional fundraising run.

“I’ve lost quite a few friends over the years,” she said. “If I listed them all, it would be terrifying. My best friend Rebekah Gibbs was one of them. We grew up doing musicals together and she went on to do Casualty. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 30s, went through treatment, got the all clear, and then it sadly came back. We lost her and it was absolutely devastating.”

Rebekah’s memory remains a constant part of Hayley’s life.

“Her family and friends still all speak on a group chat. We celebrate her birthday and the day she passed. Her daughter learning to drive – we always make sure we keep her name alive.”

Hayley also spoke about another close friend and therapist Sarie Taylor, from Manchester who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year aged 46.

“She’s always been the one helping everyone else, so when she was diagnosed it was a shock,” she said. “She’s been incredible though, she’s in remission now and still the same strong, supportive person. We’ve laughed, cried, worn wigs together. She’s been such a pillar of strength. So, I also want to do Race for Life for her.”

The experiences have left a lasting impact on Hayley’s outlook on life.

She said: “It makes you feel very lucky, but also more aware. I’m a single mum, so it’s made me more conscious of my health and looking after myself.”

Hayley hopes taking part will also encourage others to get involved.

“These events are so important. Do it for your friends, your family, or just come and walk with me, “she said. “We all know someone affected by cancer - it’s one in two of us. I’ve wanted to do Race for Life for years and I can’t wait to finally do it with Dan. Taking part in Blackpool means the world.”

The Blackpool Race for Life 3k, 5k and 10k events take place at Blackpool Promenade on Wednesday, July 1 at 7pm, with thousands expected to take part in support of Cancer Research UK.

Money raised at Race for Life enables scientists to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.  

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Lancashire Jemma Humphreys said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Hayley and Dan for taking part in Race for Life, Blackpool. 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 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, contributing millions of pounds towards life-saving research. Over the past 50 years, Cancer Research UK funded scientists have helped to nearly double breast cancer survival in the UK. The charity also helped prove the link between tobacco and cancer, preventing millions of deaths worldwide.  

To sign up, visit raceforlife.org