Traitors star urges Plymouth and Devon residents to take part in this year’s Race for Life

A former contestant from the TV show The Traitors is encouraging people across Devon to take part in Race for Life events this year, after her partner was treated for breast cancer.

Leanne Quigley, who appeared on the BBC series, has been supporting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life following her partner Sophie Jones’ diagnosis in 2024. 

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The couple live in the South West and took part in a Race for Life event together last summer.

Several Race for Life events are planned across Devon in 2026, including two in Plymouth.

The Plymouth events will take place on Saturday, May 31, with 5k and 10k routes along The Hoe, and on Sunday, July 19, when Pretty Muddy events for adults and children will be held at Central Park.

Race for Life events are open to people of all ages and abilities and raise money for cancer research.

Ms Quigley said taking part last year was an important moment for her family.

“It was incredibly hard watching Sophie, the person I love, go through cancer and it put life into perspective,” she said.

“It was our close family and friends who got us through the toughest times. Crossing the finish line at Race for Life with these people was unforgettable.”

ABOVE: The Traitors winner Leanne Quigley with partner, Sophie Jones and their children at Race for Life (Image: Cancer Research)

Sophie Jones, 33, was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer in July 2024. She had chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and is now in remission. 

Cancer Research UK said research it funded helped develop the drug Herceptin, which is now a standard treatment for this type of breast cancer.

Ms Quigley said the couple are now planning their wedding and raising their twin boys, who turn three this month.

Cancer Research UK says around 38,400 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the South West.

Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for the South West, said community events like Race for Life play an important role.

“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,” she said.

“Race for Life is non-competitive. People can walk, jog or run and go at their own pace. What matters most is showing up together.”

As well as Plymouth, Race for Life events will also take place in Exeter and Barnstaple later in the summer.

Since Race for Life began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part across the UK, helping to fund cancer research over the past 30 years.

Further details about the events are available on the Cancer Research UK website.