Well, it's that time of year again where the UK population is faced with the annual relentless onslaught of material promoting Cancer Research's "Race for Life".
For anyone who's been in a coma for the last five years, the Race for Life (RFL) is a feminised five mile run, where participants adorned in pink clothing raise money for research into cancer. CRUK describe it as "unique opportunity for women to come together". Presumably all the other opportunities such as all our female only colleges, female only swimming sessions, female only hotels, female only gyms, female only taxis and female only libraries?
Obviously, such unnecessary segregation of the population by gender, or race nor any other arbitrary means is rather divisive, stupid and somewhat Talibanesque in nature, but it's not particularly sexist in itself if there's equal alternative participatory opportunities for all of the population.
However, that's clearly not the case at all here. Cancer Research (CRUK) is the biggest UK Cancer Charity, yet when they launched Race for Life they neglected to launched any corresponding opportunity for men to get involved whatsoever. Pressure by equality campaigners has reaped small dividends, such as the Run for Moore event, but it has been severely neglected by CRUK and is a half hearted effort at best. The event doesn't receive any significant promotion nor support and as a result isn't enjoying much success.
On the other hand, the Race for Life goes from strength to strength. Vast resources are put into supporting it - be it full page adverts on the front of local newspapers, glitzy TV ads, a barrage of radio spots, signs hanging from every conceivable location in your local branch of Tesco and even logos plastered on cereal packets exclaiming how "You're Invited! (as long as you don't' posses a penis that is).
CRUK state that RFL's ban on men is "due to the wishes of our participants". In other words, some people in the event are somewhat hostile towards males, but what if their hostility was say racial or perhaps religious? Would some equally misguided BNP supporters be allowed to have their own Racist for Life event where ethnic minorities were totally excluded in order to create "an opportunity" for Anglo Saxons "to come together…in a celebratory atmosphere?"
You may at this point be wondering why exactly Cancer Research's behaviour here is such a big deal and why this is such a key equality issue? Well, to answer such a question we need to consider the following key points:
1. There is a vast gulf in spending between male and female specific cancers. By far the biggest of any cancers in terms of victims are breast cancer and prostate cancer, yet the former gets more funding, around four times as much in all areas including research, and even support, both by the government and by cancer charities themselves. In fact the traditionally approach to prostate concur has been to hope the men would die of something else first!
2. Cancer is very much seen as a women's issue and the race for Life merely reinforces this false message. The publicity given to cancer such as breast cancer dwarfs everything else out there - Pink this, pink that you really can't escape it. Don't get me wrong, in some ways it's great so much effort goes into dealing with breast Cancer, but it's hardly fair when it's at the expense of everyone else. Such inequality ultimately means less awareness of men's cancers and thus yet more dead men. Women already enjoy significant privileges when it comes to access to health care and life expectancy and such an intense and exclusive focus on breast cancer only furthers such inequality. One could argue pink really does stink, though not for the reasons feminists suggest.
3. Men suffering even from non gender specific cancers have vastly worse outcomes compared to their female counterparts. Cancer Research are at least honest enough to openly admit this themselves. Thus if anything, portraying Cancer as a female phenomenon is a subversion to reality on the part of CRUK and cancer is if anything more of a mens issue that a women's! Of course, as with domestic violence any sane person cares about all cancer victims rather than one a marginally more afflicted subgroup, but it's still useful to know the full facts.
4. Given that 49% of the UK population is male (despite all the cancer deaths), wouldn't Cancer Research be better off involving the entire UK population in fundraising thus generating double the amount of revenue? Just think how many more lives could be saved and how much more research funded if CRUK suddenly doubled its income!
On top of the above there are smaller logistical issues to consider too. What exactly happens to young boys during the Race for Life? How exactly does one explain to a child that his mother and sister are going to raise money to help grandma, but he's barred from helping out because he's of the wrong gender. Presumably childcare has to be arranged for him too and paid for thus resulting in further lost revenue. Also participants in the event aren't just raising money and publicising CRUK. They're in an environment where they can talk about cancer, and learn and think about the issue. Again this means improved cancer awareness for such women, and ultimately better outcomes as a result. Why does CRUK insist on denying such an excellent opportunity to men also?
In all fairness CRUK have made a few tiny concessions over the years as a result of a years of pressure and campaigning from the likes of equality Charity Parity. For example, women can now run in the memory of a male relative, but progress is painfully slow and if anything they're going backwards these days. For example see how many references you can spot to men or male cancer victims in this years Race for Life TV ad . (Here's a clue - the answer is less than one)
I think Race for Life really says a lot about the position of men in our society and particularly how we treat the issue of men's health. CRUK are at least decent enough to allow a debate about their sexism on the forums so it's not a totally lost cause, but for now I'd urge people to give their money to other Cancer Charities, or at least only sponsor those competing in alternative CRUK events unrelated to Race for Life. Similarly try not to patronise RFL partners, which this year include Tesco, Nivea Go-Ahead (United Biscuits) and rather appropriately the equally sexist Diamond Car Insurance.
There appears to be an increasing amount of concern about RFL, some of the most eloquent is by the highly respected science author Brian Clegg. In his article "Just because it's for a good cause doesn't justify discrimination" he writes"
"I can't understand why, for example, anyone would want to be a member of a club or organization that excludes half the population...There is no justification for it, except to reinforce the old stereotypes that only women can be caring and supportive."
"The organizers of Race for Life should drop their appalling sexism, and if they don't voluntarily, they should be forced to do so."
Indeed, although I'd actually go slightly further than Mr Clegg and suggest that the fact that we're dealing with such an important and worthy cause here is even more of a reason why this discrimination is wrong. If some random company wants to be sexist or racist then that would be bad enough, but for the UK's biggest cancer charity to be doing such a thing is nothing short of a scandal.
For anyone who's been in a coma for the last five years, the Race for Life (RFL) is a feminised five mile run, where participants adorned in pink clothing raise money for research into cancer. CRUK describe it as "unique opportunity for women to come together". Presumably all the other opportunities such as all our female only colleges, female only swimming sessions, female only hotels, female only gyms, female only taxis and female only libraries?
Obviously, such unnecessary segregation of the population by gender, or race nor any other arbitrary means is rather divisive, stupid and somewhat Talibanesque in nature, but it's not particularly sexist in itself if there's equal alternative participatory opportunities for all of the population.
However, that's clearly not the case at all here. Cancer Research (CRUK) is the biggest UK Cancer Charity, yet when they launched Race for Life they neglected to launched any corresponding opportunity for men to get involved whatsoever. Pressure by equality campaigners has reaped small dividends, such as the Run for Moore event, but it has been severely neglected by CRUK and is a half hearted effort at best. The event doesn't receive any significant promotion nor support and as a result isn't enjoying much success.
On the other hand, the Race for Life goes from strength to strength. Vast resources are put into supporting it - be it full page adverts on the front of local newspapers, glitzy TV ads, a barrage of radio spots, signs hanging from every conceivable location in your local branch of Tesco and even logos plastered on cereal packets exclaiming how "You're Invited! (as long as you don't' posses a penis that is).
CRUK state that RFL's ban on men is "due to the wishes of our participants". In other words, some people in the event are somewhat hostile towards males, but what if their hostility was say racial or perhaps religious? Would some equally misguided BNP supporters be allowed to have their own Racist for Life event where ethnic minorities were totally excluded in order to create "an opportunity" for Anglo Saxons "to come together…in a celebratory atmosphere?"
You may at this point be wondering why exactly Cancer Research's behaviour here is such a big deal and why this is such a key equality issue? Well, to answer such a question we need to consider the following key points:
1. There is a vast gulf in spending between male and female specific cancers. By far the biggest of any cancers in terms of victims are breast cancer and prostate cancer, yet the former gets more funding, around four times as much in all areas including research, and even support, both by the government and by cancer charities themselves. In fact the traditionally approach to prostate concur has been to hope the men would die of something else first!
2. Cancer is very much seen as a women's issue and the race for Life merely reinforces this false message. The publicity given to cancer such as breast cancer dwarfs everything else out there - Pink this, pink that you really can't escape it. Don't get me wrong, in some ways it's great so much effort goes into dealing with breast Cancer, but it's hardly fair when it's at the expense of everyone else. Such inequality ultimately means less awareness of men's cancers and thus yet more dead men. Women already enjoy significant privileges when it comes to access to health care and life expectancy and such an intense and exclusive focus on breast cancer only furthers such inequality. One could argue pink really does stink, though not for the reasons feminists suggest.
3. Men suffering even from non gender specific cancers have vastly worse outcomes compared to their female counterparts. Cancer Research are at least honest enough to openly admit this themselves. Thus if anything, portraying Cancer as a female phenomenon is a subversion to reality on the part of CRUK and cancer is if anything more of a mens issue that a women's! Of course, as with domestic violence any sane person cares about all cancer victims rather than one a marginally more afflicted subgroup, but it's still useful to know the full facts.
4. Given that 49% of the UK population is male (despite all the cancer deaths), wouldn't Cancer Research be better off involving the entire UK population in fundraising thus generating double the amount of revenue? Just think how many more lives could be saved and how much more research funded if CRUK suddenly doubled its income!
On top of the above there are smaller logistical issues to consider too. What exactly happens to young boys during the Race for Life? How exactly does one explain to a child that his mother and sister are going to raise money to help grandma, but he's barred from helping out because he's of the wrong gender. Presumably childcare has to be arranged for him too and paid for thus resulting in further lost revenue. Also participants in the event aren't just raising money and publicising CRUK. They're in an environment where they can talk about cancer, and learn and think about the issue. Again this means improved cancer awareness for such women, and ultimately better outcomes as a result. Why does CRUK insist on denying such an excellent opportunity to men also?
In all fairness CRUK have made a few tiny concessions over the years as a result of a years of pressure and campaigning from the likes of equality Charity Parity. For example, women can now run in the memory of a male relative, but progress is painfully slow and if anything they're going backwards these days. For example see how many references you can spot to men or male cancer victims in this years Race for Life TV ad . (Here's a clue - the answer is less than one)
I think Race for Life really says a lot about the position of men in our society and particularly how we treat the issue of men's health. CRUK are at least decent enough to allow a debate about their sexism on the forums so it's not a totally lost cause, but for now I'd urge people to give their money to other Cancer Charities, or at least only sponsor those competing in alternative CRUK events unrelated to Race for Life. Similarly try not to patronise RFL partners, which this year include Tesco, Nivea Go-Ahead (United Biscuits) and rather appropriately the equally sexist Diamond Car Insurance.
There appears to be an increasing amount of concern about RFL, some of the most eloquent is by the highly respected science author Brian Clegg. In his article "Just because it's for a good cause doesn't justify discrimination" he writes"
"I can't understand why, for example, anyone would want to be a member of a club or organization that excludes half the population...There is no justification for it, except to reinforce the old stereotypes that only women can be caring and supportive."
"The organizers of Race for Life should drop their appalling sexism, and if they don't voluntarily, they should be forced to do so."
Indeed, although I'd actually go slightly further than Mr Clegg and suggest that the fact that we're dealing with such an important and worthy cause here is even more of a reason why this discrimination is wrong. If some random company wants to be sexist or racist then that would be bad enough, but for the UK's biggest cancer charity to be doing such a thing is nothing short of a scandal.
My ex-wife died of breast cancer at the age of 35. I am now a single parent to a 8 year old boy.
Neither of us, being male can contribute or take part in the RFL.
I cannot be bothered any more, i have advised various charities that i only donate to mens charities now. How can custody of boys go to women when it is demonstrated they care only about females.
Posted by: adam ant | Friday, 12 February 2010 at 10:16
Donating to men's charities is a good solution, though if there are any genuinely gender neutral charities (who are vocal about the sexism faced by men) then that would be just as good if not better. Though to be fair most men's charities (such as in dv) are perfectly willing help and support female vicitms too.
Posted by: John Kimble | Friday, 12 February 2010 at 21:32
I was stopped in the street by one of their "female" reps the other day and i took issue with her about the lack of male help and was given the spin that they were working for all just been to their website and guess what the link to the shine night male race doesnt work so just left them a stinking note teling them to sort it
Posted by: Les Bowring | Tuesday, 16 February 2010 at 21:49
I fully agree with the point you are making. My aunty died of breast cancer but during her plight I noticed the lack of support/events for either male patients or male relatives. I am currently working on an article for a university project where I aim to explore this injustice. If anyone feels strongly enough to contact me to express particular incidences they've experienced or points they'd like to be raised please contact me on [email protected]. My work will not be published but will be exhibited nearer summer in Bristol for many people to see.
Posted by: Katie Lewis | Friday, 19 February 2010 at 13:18
The very best of luck with your much needed research Katie.
Posted by: John Kimble | Saturday, 20 February 2010 at 06:43
A very good article & I agree with the points made in it. Some men (albeit a relatively small number) get breast cancer too & men are also affected when their female friends & relatives are diagnosed with breast cancer, so it seems absurd that they are disallowed from taking part in raising funds for it through Race for Life. Alternatively, where is the Men's Race for eg. Prostate Cancer?
On a related point, there really does need to be more fairness & equality in the distribution of cancer funding taking into account not only the overall numbers diagnosed with each type of cancer but also the outlook for an individual patient diagnosed with each cancer, i.e. mortality/survival rates, years of life lost, etc. Having recently lost my Dad (who brought my brother & me up single-handedly & whom I loved dearly) to very aggressive brain cancer (a cancer which is slightly more common in men), I'm shocked at how little funding is allocated to brain cancer given how depressing the survival rates are & given the higher proportion of young people & children who are afflicted. Ditto the lack of pancreatic, oesophagal, stomach & lung cancer funding compared to their extremely poor survival rates.
Not all women want superiority over men. Unfairness is still unfairness whichever direction it is in & whomever loses out....and in the end, injustice breeds resentment so everyone loses out then.
Posted by: Rachel Leonard | Sunday, 21 February 2010 at 00:30
Race for Life isn't actually about breast cancer anymore - although it's understandable that people think it is given the origins and all the incessant pink branding.
Some excellent points in your posts I'd be careful about making year lost as a key factor as that could be age discrimination and it's very much what's happening right now.
Why should an otherwise healthy 65 year old man be denied first class care for prostate cancer. He could easily otherwise survive until his 90s these days and people who've worked so hard all their lives enjoy a decent (and lengthy) retirement.
Posted by: John Kimble | Sunday, 21 February 2010 at 18:42
I first became very annoyed with Race for Life in 2002, when I was unable to participate in the event, with my wife, daughter, granddaughter, daughter in laws and friends of the family, following the death of my eldest daughter,the mother of two granddaughters and grandson, from Ovarian Cancer on 17th August 2001.
After support from the, then Equal Opportunities Commission, I can claim some credit for the 5K Run for Moore being launched - with not much success, as stated above...
Below, I have copied the 'Open email, sent today, to CRUK, which is self-explanatory...
..................................
Attention of: John Tasker Esq., Senior National Events Organiser, Cancer Research UK
Dear John,
Open e-mail 'In CRUK's and The Public Interest
Firstly, I stress that had I his email address, I would have, in the circumstances, sent a courtesy copy of this to Mr. Kumar, The Chief Executive.
I send this further to your response of 19th January, to mine of the 16th. The history demands I make it an 'Open Email' - 'In the public interest'
In the circumstances, I consider it appropriate to make you aware of some more, recently published, critical comment - painting Cancer Research in a very bad colour and I must stress, I virtually agree with everything stated.
http://therightsofman.typepad.co.uk/the_rights_of_man/2010/02/would-cancer-research-launch-a-racist-for-life-event.html
I became aware of this after following a link from Cancer Chat http://www.cancerchat.org.uk/clearspacex/thread/1755?start=165&tstart=0
The author's 'blog name' in Cancer Chat is - Harrieth. The Comment is No: 169 - posted on 15th February... was not from me...
...You were made aware of that stated in Wikipedia, in my previous email - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Race_for_Life
In the circumstances, the details of the events, to attempt to overcome the blatant sex discrimination, against males, are awaited with some impatience and interest...
However, I must state, at this point, until there are as many 5K events for males to participate in, as for Race for Life, for females, CRUK will be guilty of discriminating against males throughout the UK. CRUK should consider the rights of every male throughout the country...
The Law:
Article 14 of the Human Rights Act - gives one the right not to be discriminated against...
Section 29 of The Sex Discrimination Act - states it is illegal to discriminate in the provision of 'goods and services' . CRUK are, in my opinion, in breach of both.
The Equality Bill expected to take effect shortly will / should also embody Article 14 and Section 29 - putting CRUK in breach of the law.
Finance:
I consider it financially inept, for CRUK to endeavour to attempt to have "separate 5K events" throughout the UK , for males and females, - like the current 240 (Female only) Race for Life. It would be more sensible - also, easier, to convert the existing Race for Life into a "5K Family Fun Run / Walk"... Can anyone argue against that when The Big C affects 'all members of the family - without discrimination'?
Further, I refer to comments within Mr Meacham's email of 4th August, when he stated, inter-alia
Why aren't/can't R4L and Run For Moore be joint?
"We survey our Race for Life participants regularly and keep Race for Life a women-only event at their request". (my emphasis)...
Why do we have only one Run For Moore Event yet 240 female-only events?
"Unfortunately there has not been the same demand across the UK for Run for Moore events as there is for Race for Life"...
...Why CRUK has never sought the opinions of ALL CRUK supporters is beyond my understanding and belief!!! Are you aware that some females consider 'The male only' Run for Moore' - sexist?
To coclude, as you will be aware, a group of females - The Committee of Walton on Thames, CRUK Branch, launched the very successful 'Little Legs for Life' event last year. I am given to understand there are going to be more events throughout the UK. All The Committee of Walton on Thames Branch should be commended for their endeavours since the Branch was formed last year.... But, what about all 'the little boys' ???????
It was a 'little boy' who mentioned that he wanted to do something to help raise funds - then 'Little Legs for Life' became a reality....But what of the future, when all those 'little boys' become too old to participate in Little Legs for Life? Will they all be discriminated against like virtually all the existing UK male occupants? I sincerely hope not!!!
I look forward for your considered response... Hopefully, the first step towards ending the current discrimination against males.
With Best Wishes,
John Taylor
Posted by: John Taylor | Monday, 22 February 2010 at 18:46
What an ironic title because two years ago today Cancer Research UK lost a race discrimination claim taken by one of its own employees. Have a look at the link Research. The employee was awarded aggravated damages because of the way the problem was handled. They were even found to have fabricated evidence too.
Posted by: Anon | Monday, 08 March 2010 at 00:26
Reference the post by Anon above this.The reference to: Have a look at the link Research.
I would very much appreciate if you Anon, or someone could advise re where the link Research actually is.... Is Research supposed to be a Live link?
In asking, I stress, I am a comparitive newcomer to this site & finding ones way is an education..
Many thanks in anticipation...
John Taylor
Posted by: John Taylor | Monday, 08 March 2010 at 18:59
My Open email to CRUK re:
How to overcome the blatant sex discrimination of Race for Life
..................................
Attention of: Richard Taylor Esq. Director of Fund Raising, Cancer Research UK
Info:John Tasker Esq. Senior National Events Organizer.
: Peter Meacham Esq. Customer Services
Dear Richard
...Open email in Cancer Researh UK's and The Public Interest...
...How to remove the blatant sex discrimination of Race for Life...
I send this further to my previous of 7th March, because I consider it very important to advise you of what is now being stated regarding Cancer Research UK. I have attached a print screen photo. The detail can be seen on The Rights of Man site, at the bottom of the very long string - under the heading: WOULD CANCER RESEARCH LAUNCH A "RACIST FOR LIFE" EVENT? You will see some of my comment included.
http://therightsofman.typepad.co.uk/the_rights_of_man/2010/02/would-cancer-research-launch-a-racist-for-life-event.html?cid=6a00d8341d03e253ef01310f77cb17970c#comment-6a00d8341d03e253ef01310f77cb17970c
Is it correct that CRUK did, in fact, lose a race discrimination claim taken by one of its employees - two years ago? The employer was awarded aggravated damages because of the way the problem was handled. CRUK was even found to have fabricated the evidence too....
I look forward, hopefully, for your confirming that CRUK has agreed with my suggestions, as stated in my previous, message of the 7th, to overcome the blatant sex discrimination against males.
Retain Race for Life in all existing venues;
CRUK to promote by all means possible, the brand new " 5K Family Fund Raiser events" - to be held in all venues as Race for Life
Females to have the opportunity to enter either - males would enter the " 5K Family Fund Raiser events"
The " 5K Family Fund Raiser events" - could start later than the 5K event
What is wrong with that? There is a distinct possibility, over time, the millions raised by Race for Life could be doubled
With Best Wishes...
John Taylor
By working together (as families) we'll beat The Big C together, without sex discrimination
..................................
Posted by: John Taylor | Tuesday, 09 March 2010 at 10:34
Hi John, welcome to the site, I hope you stick around.
I did some Googling and found a link about that case if you are interested:
http://www.maceandjones.co.uk/news/archive/injury-to-feelings-in-the-spotlight.html
Posted by: John Kimble | Friday, 12 March 2010 at 02:16
Hi John...
Many thanks. Have just pasted the info into CRUK's Facebook page. Alas, will have to communicate again - with what was ,then, The Equal Opportunity Commission in 2005.
CRUK have advised they will not respond to any further communications...they insist they are not breaking any law... My opinion is they are in breach of Article 14 of The Human Rights Act...not to be discriminated against, also Section 29 of the Sex Discrimination Act, re the provision of goods and services...
Posted by: John Taylor | Friday, 12 March 2010 at 22:13
Just receive my local free newspaper with the obligatory annual Race for Life full front page ad.
Interestingly, I can't find a single mention of the fact it is women only or that men are banned. This is clearly very misleading advertsing and they could get into a lot of trobule with the Advertising Standards Authority over this.
I'm busy with other campaigns right now - perhaps you'd like to report them? I can send you a copy of the ad if you don't have it on the York paper.
Posted by: John Kimble | Monday, 15 March 2010 at 21:27
Hi John
Yes, I would very much appreciate a copy of the ad to:
John Taylor
18 Brindle Way
Norton on Derwent,
MALTON,
North Yorkshire
YO17 8BA
Many thanks in anticipation...
Posted by: John Taylor | Tuesday, 16 March 2010 at 10:59
Hi
I contacted the press department for a quote about this obvious sexism and the press department said they would send me something. They didnt. I rang again and yes they did not do anything about it.
This is Ladies Swimming sessions all over again
andrew
Posted by: andrew casey | Sunday, 28 March 2010 at 20:40
Just a follow up, I have now written my article and am awaiting for it to be marked by my tutor. After John Taylor's much appreciated help and information I focused on the Race for Life and how it only accepts women. I also conducted a small study of people mainly in my age group to see what events they had heard of and what cancers they felt were most prevalent. The answers were virtually all focused on women's cancers and events (even from the guys who completed my little questionnaire)which I highlighted in my article.
I also included information on cancer charity events in my local area of Bristol that all the family can get involved with this summer.
Posted by: Katie lewis | Monday, 26 April 2010 at 13:31
oGod work Katie - will you be able to put the document online to share with others?
Such research is very valuable as it's a hugely neglected area and thus the document and the findings are almost certainly unique.
Posted by: John Kimble | Monday, 26 April 2010 at 15:23
I am hoping so, I'm still waiting for it to be given back to me. Last year I wrote about the tourism trade in Weston-super-Mare and my uni decided to discard all of our work without telling us, we didn't even get to see the marks/comments on it! If they give it back this time then I most certainly will do.
I have become 'friends' with John on Facebook and I have started volunteering in a cancer charity shop so I can keep more up to date with this as if I am totally honest it wasn't until I researched it that it ocurred to me how sexist it is, even though my mum takes part in it!
Posted by: katie Lewis | Tuesday, 27 April 2010 at 16:31
John is a good guy - he's done an incredible amount of equality campaigning over the last 12 years or so. He's actually defeated the government at least once in the European courts, stopping them denying benefits to men.
Be sure to check out some of our reviews of the party manifestos from a gender equality perspective.
Posted by: John Kimble | Tuesday, 27 April 2010 at 19:08
Hi John & Katie, in particular.
Just an update. Received email from Fundraising Standards Board, sent on the 28th March, confirming my complaint has been received and they are contacting CRUK giving them 14 days to respond...
Posted by: John Taylor | Friday, 30 April 2010 at 18:58
I'm made to wonder what is meant by "due to the wishes of our participants". Something must have motivated this restriction in the first place. Was there some hugely successful "Ban men from Race for Life" petition? Moreover, are they reviewing the consensus from time to time?
In any case, I can't imagine an overwhelming majority of people who are doing something for a good cause can be wanting at the same time to hurt this same cause by excluding half the population. For all I know, there are probably women boycotting RFL in favour of other good causes because of this and/or thinking "If I die of cancer, I'll want my widower and sons to run for me!"
Posted by: Stewart | Sunday, 02 May 2010 at 23:08
I can assure you Stewart, there are several females, that I am aware of, that are against the discrimination - going back to what Valerie Flower stated way back in 2003. Have a look at this link - reported in my local Yorkshire Evening Press. Yorhttp://archive.thisisyork.co.uk/2003/3/25/270855.htmlkshire Evening Press.
An important question is: Just what is the opinion of every female in the UK?
Posted by: John Taylor | Monday, 03 May 2010 at 13:18
Re my post above, alas the link does not work... However, the article can be seen from the link under References on the Wikipedia Race for Life page.
See number:6) Sexist Race for Life is slammed by campaigner - for that stated by Valerie Flower - way back in 2003.
Posted by: John Taylor | Monday, 03 May 2010 at 13:36
It's because you forgot to add a space John. Here's a working link:
http://archive.thisisyork.co.uk/2003/3/25/270855.html
Posted by: John kimble | Monday, 03 May 2010 at 19:00
Many thanks John for your helpful correction above. 'tis human to err - plus the fact that I doubt very much that not even Gates knows everything about this modern means of communication... What will I / we be learning tomorrow onwards?
Posted by: JOHN TAYLOR | Tuesday, 04 May 2010 at 09:13
Re: My Stage 3 Complaint to The Fund Raising Standards Board...
............................................
Dear Mr Taylor
Many thanks for your email which will form part of the material to put before the FRSB for consideration in dealing with your complaint.
The Board will review all papers related to the Complaint and it is intended that they will reach their decision within the next 60 days
Kind regards
Alistair Mc Lean
Chief Executive
Fundraising Standards Board
61 London Fruit Exchange
Brushfield Street
London E1 6EP Tel:0845 4025442 Direct:020 7655 4691
To join the Fundraising Standards Board scheme or to register a complaint, visit us online at www.frsb.org.uk or call 0845 402 5442
--------------------------------------------
From: JOHN TAYLOR [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 28 June 2010 19:29
To: Alistair Mclean
Subject: STAGE 3 COMPLAINT: JOHN TAYLOR v CANCER RESEARCH UK "RACE FOR LIFE"...
Attention of The Fund Raising Standards Board c/o: Alistair McClean Esq., Chief Executive.
...Open Email - In Cancer Research UK's & The Public Interest...
>>>Stage 3 Complaint>>>>>>>If Cancer Research UK did not provide the goods, facilities & services - there would be no Race for Lifehttp://www.raceforlife.org/about-us/latest-news/race-for-life-10k.aspx
2) http://www.raceforlife.org/choose-your-event/events-search-results.aspx?postcode=YO17%208BA
To conclude:
Cancer Research UK state their research indicates males want longer events than the 5K Run for Moore - I ask, why did CRUK not allow males to participate in the longer 10K Race for Life events?
I state, not all males want to participate in longer events - what about the disabled -some support that which I state;
What about young boys? Please have a look at this link re Little Legs for Life - inspired by "a little boy"
http://hersham.surreyherald.co.uk/2009/07/little-legs-for-life.html
After last year's Race for Life, a young lad named Luke from Burhill School asked his mummy why he couldn't run too. "Why not indeed?" thought his mum, who then mentioned it to some of the other local mums.
Now I don't need to tell you that when an army of mums get wind of something and decide to mobilize, nothing on God's good earth dares get in the way. So, with the bit firmly in their collective teeth, nine mums from Burhill and Bellfarm schools started the mammoth task of setting up a charity event that kids could take part in.
...I pose the question : What transpires when those little boys are too old for Little Legs For Life? Will CRUK discriminate against them? Little Legs for Life events are growing in the UK... The charity behind Little Legs for Life is: www.crukwalton.org
Further, some females consider Run for Moore discriminatory;
Cancer Inequalities - The Excess Burden of Cancer in Men in the UK.In general men are at significantly greater risk than women from nearly all of the common cancers that occur in both sexes with the exception of breast cancer. This joint report was produced by Cancer Research UK, the National Cancer Intelligence Network, Leeds Metropolitan University and the Men’s Health Forum and is available to download below.
The report considers the current overall burden of cancer among men in the UK, estimated from the latest statistics for incidence and mortality, and outlines the extent of the differences between the sexes. It also suggests possible reasons why men are at much more risk of both getting and dying from so many cancers. All figures and calculations reported here are based on data extracted from the Cancer Research UK CancerStats web pages extracted in June 2009.
Please, have a look at what is stated by Cancer Research UK here:
http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/inequalities/index.htm
...I rest my case - to find Cancer Research UK "not guilty - of blatant sex discrimination" would be a travesty of justice...they should stop the discrimination by planning for next year and ensure all the 240 Race for Life 5K events throughout the UK are open to both sexes...
With Best Wishes,
John Taylor
----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Meacham
To: JOHN TAYLOR
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2009 3:40 PM
Subject: RE: ATTENTION OF PETE MEACHAM - COMPLAINTS CO-ORDINATOR
Dear Mr Taylor
Thank you for taking the time to email Cancer Research UK and for your commitment to raising the profile of Run For Moore.
We are very grateful to you for exhibiting such a keen interest in helping us to include more men in our fundraising programme. However, unfortunately Jessica Jones and the rest of the Race For Life team are unable to answer personal emails so if you have any future enquiries, please contact our Supporter Services department..
As stated in my previous email, Jessica has passed your latest email onto me for my attention. After looking through the correspondence that's been passed between yourself and our Race For Life team, I feel it is important to address the following issues which I feel have caused you particular concern:
1. Why do we have only one Run For Moore Event yet 240 female-only events?
Unfortunately there has not been the same demand across the UK for Run for Moore events as there is for Race for Life. In 2009 Cancer Research UK decided to focus on consolidating the series to one event held at Blackheath Common in London. Streamlining the number of events within this series has allowed us to make the best use of our resources and deliver the best results to The Bobby Moore Fund.
2. Why aren't/can't R4L and Run For Moore be joint?
We survey our Race for Life participants regularly and keep Race for Life a women-only event at their request.
3. What do we think of the suggestion that a mixed 5k fun run/walk could be held/trialled?
We are continually reviewing and refining our events programme, listening and responding at all times to our participants and supporters. Our extensive research into fundraising events for men indicates that the majority of men prefer to take part in more challenging fundraising events. We are increasingly focussing on the additional, fun activities that are available on the day so that the whole family is able to make an enjoyable day out of our events, in addition to supporting whomever is taking part.
Please be assured that your comments have been taken very seriously by our events department and will be taken into account when planning future fundraising activities.
Best Wishes
Pete Meacham
Supporter Services
Posted by: JOHN TAYLOR | Tuesday, 06 July 2010 at 12:06
I stress, the above is a well-edited, shortened version, of my Stage 3 Complaint to the Fund Raising Standards Board...
Posted by: JOHN TAYLOR | Tuesday, 06 July 2010 at 20:23
The link is the report published on my daughter's 50th birthday - sadly Diane died on the 17th August 2001
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8324139.Equality_campaigner_in_Race_for_Life_sexism_claim/#commentsList
This my letter for publication:
The Letter's Editor, The Press.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Would Cancer Research UK launch a "Racist" for life event?
I would appreciate space in Reader's Letters to elaborate on the report "Charity race sexism claim" - 11th August 2010.
The Press published a report on 16th February, 2006, "Men urged to run for their rights" - based on the conclusions of my contacting the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).The EOC had contacted Cancer Research UK's Head of Legal... CRUK, to overcome the discrimination, stated they intended trialling some 5K (male only - Run for Moore events).
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/archive/2006/02/16/Ryedale+Archive/6670131.Men_urged_to_run_for_their_rights/ ...
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/bobbymoorefund/ I can claim some responsibility for the 5K (male only) Run for Moore events being launched...
However, CRUK were not satisfied with their annual 5K Race for Life (RFL), on the Knavesmire - they also had a 10K this year !!!
In 2009, there was only one 5K Run for Moore (for males) on Blackheath Common, London - compared with 240 Race for Life events throughout the UK...
CRUK'S Mr Meacham (please see the proof attached below) stated "
Unfortunately there has not been the same demand across the UK for Run for Moore events as there is for Race for Life. In 2009 Cancer Research UK decided to focus on consolidating the series to one event held at Blackheath Common in London.
Our extensive research into fundraising events for men indicates that the majority (not all) of men prefer to take part in more challenging fundraising events.
We survey our Race for Life participants regularly and keep Race for Life a women-only event at their request...
CRUK state the majority of men prefer to take part in more challenging fundraising events. "Why were males not given the opportunity to participate in the - "10K Race for Life event on the Knavesmire"?
CRUK, sought the views of participants of Race for Life - but they never consulted all the females in the UK - not all females agree with the sexist Race for Life.
It saddens me to state this, but the Race for Life events being kept female only - at the request of participants - is very misguided, because any of those "participants, whom I commend for their endeavors, in Race for Life", could be afflicted and sadly die from Cancer... "Should CRUK continue to deny their male relatives the opportunity to raise funds in their memory"?
Cancer Research UK should take a very long, hard look, at the London Marathon & Great North Run - that allow both sexes...
The Race for Life & Run for Moore (5K events) should be combined and "5K Family Fun Run - walks" should be trialled, next year, in all the 240 venues where RFL were held- "including on the Knavesmire" - this would cater for those not fit enough, or want, to participate in anything longer than a 5K event. It would give the potential of doubling that raised by Race for Life.
The RFL, In my opinion, contravenes:
Article 14 of The Human Rights Act, - that gives one the right not to be discriminated against in any form;
Section 29 of The 1975 Sex Discrimination Act - that states one should not discriminate in the provision of goods, facilities and services...
If CRUK did nor provide the goods, facilities and services - there would be no Race for Life...
It's about time Cancer Research practiced what they state at the foot of their communications...Together we will beat cancer...
Would Cancer Research UK launch a "Racist" for life event & get away with it - like they do against "white males"?
Yours faithfully,
John Taylor
----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Meacham
To: JOHN TAYLOR
Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2009 3:40 PM
Subject: RE: ATTENTION OF PETE MEACHAM - COMPLAINTS CO-ORDINATOR
Dear Mr Taylor
Thank you for taking the time to email Cancer Research UK and for your commitment to raising the profile of Run For Moore.
We are very grateful to you for exhibiting such a keen interest in helping us to include more men in our fundraising programme. However, unfortunately Jessica Jones and the rest of the Race For Life team are unable to answer personal emails so if you have any future enquiries, please contact our Supporter Services department..
As stated in my previous email, Jessica has passed your latest email onto me for my attention. After looking through the correspondence that's been passed between yourself and our Race For Life team, I feel it is important to address the following issues which I feel have caused you particular concern:
1. Why do we have only one Run For Moore Event yet 240 female-only events?
Unfortunately there has not been the same demand across the UK for Run for Moore events as there is for Race for Life. In 2009 Cancer Research UK decided to focus on consolidating the series to one event held at Blackheath Common in London. Streamlining the number of events within this series has allowed us to make the best use of our resources and deliver the best results to The Bobby Moore Fund.
2. Why aren't/can't R4L and Run For Moore be joint?
We survey our Race for Life participants regularly and keep Race for Life a women-only event at their request.
3. What do we think of the suggestion that a mixed 5k fun run/walk could be held/trialled?
We are continually reviewing and refining our events programme, listening and responding at all times to our participants and supporters. Our extensive research into fundraising events for men indicates that the majority of men prefer to take part in more challenging fundraising events. We are increasingly focussing on the additional, fun activities that are available on the day so that the whole family is able to make an enjoyable day out of our events, in addition to supporting whomever is taking part.
Please be assured that your comments have been taken very seriously by our events department and will be taken into account when planning future fundraising activities.
Best Wishes
Pete Meacham
Supporter Services
Posted by: JOHN TAYLOR | Thursday, 12 August 2010 at 22:29
So they survey those to whom a women only event clearly has huge appeal, in order to find out whether such women-only events are a good thing?
It's akin to going to the Labour Party conference to find opinions on how people should vote.
Posted by: John Kimble | Friday, 13 August 2010 at 00:58
wo lai le . w o yao ce shi kan kan ...ni men lao wai kan bu dong ba / pig.
Posted by: Air Jordans | Friday, 26 November 2010 at 06:44
Hi John
You are doing good work me and Ann will alays support you.
Posted by: Mike and Ann Minchella | Thursday, 10 February 2011 at 13:59
hi my name is alan i was told i had cancer of the saliver gland . it was 9th dec 2009 i had to go home and tell my wife. the 23rd dec 2009 my wifes birthday i was told they would operat on 7th jan 2010 17hrs for the op half my face removed and 30 secons of radioheripy. all went well my mouth and top jaw and theeh have to be done yet it is now 8th may 2011. i would like to do a race for life as a marathone is to long for me yet. i would like to point out that in all my time in treatment in hospial doctors and pherapy i never sore a poster for any cancers relating to men.i.e testicle, postrate, mouth,throat, skin, or eny other cancer. may be just wonen get cancer and not men alanrobo56@@live.co.uk
Posted by: alan robinson | Sunday, 08 May 2011 at 16:34
"i would like to point out that in all my time in treatment in hospial doctors and pherapy i never sore a poster for any cancers relating to men"
And the lack of posters is just the tip of the iceberg. The situation in terms of research is no different.
I say if you really want to do the Race for Life then go for it. We've exhausted all other methods of achieving equality so perhaps the only way to change the sexist rules is to go out there and break them.
Posted by: John Kimble | Monday, 09 May 2011 at 21:19
This just goes to show that some supposedly good cancer causes can become wrong. I guess it's important to really research the background of groups that claim activities for cancer treatment or research before trying to support their cause.
Posted by: Prostate Cancer | Thursday, 19 May 2011 at 02:31
The comments in the original article are particularly relevant if you live in Bournemouth. Here, for the last three years, the Race For Life event has been held on FATHERS DAY of all days!
I do not wish to denigrate the excellent work done in raising funds and awareness for the cause; many run because they have lost fathers to cancer. But surely the organisers could choose a date other than the one day in the year set aside to honour fathers? After all, it is always the third Sunday in June, so it is not difficult to avoid!
Posted by: Steve Pritchet | Sunday, 19 June 2011 at 13:08
Such a great cause! It's so great to see companies supporting these charities :)
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