From researcher to patient: Why Dr Jane Gray tackled Race for Life Cambridge 2025

The guest of honour at the Cancer Research UK Race for Life in Cambridge was a city scientist who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer while working to fight the disease.

Inspiring thousands with her story, Dr Jane Gray, 52, of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, swapped her lab coat for a running top as she joined more than 3,000 participants at Jesus Green on Sunday, 29 June, where more than £200,000 was raised for life-saving cancer research.

Jane, head of the research instrumentation and cell services core facility at the institute, was diagnosed with stage 1A, grade 3 breast cancer following a routine screening last year.

She is completing her treatment of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy.

But despite her diagnosis, she remains committed to her work, supporting scientists in the fight against cancer.

Mother-of-one Jane, from Teversham, who has worked for Cancer Research UK for 18 years, says vital research has given her the best possible outcome after her diagnosis.

“Having turned from research scientist to patient, I’m seeing things from the other side,” said Jane. “I was motivated in my work before, but now I’m even more so. I feel I’m able to give something back by using my skills and knowledge to help others - and that keeps me positive and hopeful for the future.”

Participants tackled 5k and 10k courses in hot and humid conditions on Sunday, 29 June.

The 5k course took in the city centre, travelling past the market square and through the grounds of King’s College before returning to Jesus Green. The 10k course also passed these landmarks, and travelled to Stourbridge Common and along the River Cam.

Many participants wore the names of those they were running for on the backs, along with poignant messages.

Jane was joined on the 5k course by colleagues, friends and fellow scientists from the CRUK Cambridge Institute, which is part of the University of Cambridge and one of Cancer Research UK’s flagship facilities.

Jane added: “I Race for Life to help people with cancer and to support vital research which will make a difference for future generations. I’d like to thank everyone across Cambridgeshire who supports Race for Life. Your fundraising helps scientists discover new ways to beat cancer.”

The money they raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Every year, about 37,400 people are diagnosed with cancer in the East of England.

Patrick Keely, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Cambridge, said: “We are grateful to Jane, her colleagues, and everyone who took part in this weekend’s Race for Life. Sadly, nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it.

“Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.”

Visit our gallery of more than 50 images from Race for Life Cambridge here.