DOUBLE record breaking yachtswoman Dee Caffari knows a thing or two about girl power.
So who better to encourage 10,000 women and girls across the Race for Life start line this July?
Former PE teacher Dee will sound the starting klaxon at this year’s event on Southampton Common before joining her own team of runners to make her way around the 5k course.
Dee, who lives in Titchfield, sailed into the record books in 2006 becoming the first woman to sail solo, nonstop around the world against prevailing winds.
She smashed her own record this February when she completed the gruelling Vendee Globe race and became the first woman to sail solo around the world in both directions.
But despite her own amazing achievements, Dee never fails to be inspired by the women who take part in Race for Life.
“I’m always overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people there,” said Dee, who lost her father to cancer and has supported friends through the disease.
“You can’t help but be emotionally moved when you’re trotting around the course and reading the messages of tribute and celebration on the backs of people’s shirts. The whole atmosphere makes it a special day.”
Some 20 ladies have already enlisted to “Team Caffari” and Dee hopes even more will be inspired to join her for the event on July 12.
“It’s not competitive – there are no winners and losers,” she said. “Just by being there you’re raising money for a good cause and that’s what it’s all about.
“Groups of friends walk or jog round together and it’s nice to see old and young walking side by side. The solidarity is amazing. In the time since Race for Life began, four million women have taken part, raising £240m for Cancer Research UK.
“It’s a phenomenal event that’s really taken hold of the nation so it’s fantastic to be asked to start it.”
But before she launches Race for Life, Dee is attempting yet another world record, this time sailing around Britain and Ireland with her all-female crew.
If you would like to be part of Dee Caffari’s Race for Life team, contact vicky@dee caffari.com or call 0845 0944 779.
Organisers hope 10,000 women will take part in this year’s Race for Life in Southampton to raise £590,000 to help beat cancer.
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