Thirty second message will go out on various channels

A Scots dad has been chosen to star in a new Cancer Research UK Race for Life radio and Youtube advert.

Andi Galloway shared his story of supporting his son Archie through cancer in a powerful voiceover.

The heart-warming words build a vivid picture of everything he loves about his son and the special relationship they treasure together.

The 30 second message will be heard on dozens of radio stations across the UK this spring and will also accompany a 15 second clip including photos and video on YouTube. It is one of three new real life cancer stories which capture the emotion behind Race for Life and people’s motivations for taking part.

Dad of two Andi, a Group Commander with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. His son Archie, now six, was just aged two and a half when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a cancer of the white blood cells.

Andi, 46, of Bathgate, West Lothian, said: “My son Archie is my best pal, a little legend of a human and he is doing amazingly well now after recovering from cancer.

“Why do I Race for Life? For our very own stand-up comedian who is getting cheekier by the day, a bug lover and local celeb around the fire service and the one who sits on my back whilst I do press ups. When he shaved his head, I shaved mine and so did all our friends, such a loving wee son whose resilience I will never be able to understand. His name’s Archie and I’m racing for him.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. Now Andi and family are urging people to visit raceforlife.org and sign up. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers - helping to save many more lives.

Cancer Research UK funded pioneering research in to understanding different types of childhood leukaemia, which has improved the way children are treated today, meaning more survive. Scientists showed that a drug called mixotoxantrone can increase survival by more than 50% in children where acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has come back after treatment.

Race for Life events which take place across Scotland are open to all ages and abilities.  Mums, dads, sons, daughters, grandmas, granddads and friends can choose from 3k, 5k and 10k events. There is also a chance to take part in Pretty Muddy, a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course, and there’s a Pretty Muddy Kids option. Scotland’s first Race for Life events of the year kick off in Stirling and South Queensferry on Sunday May 5, closely followed this spring with events everywhere from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Falkirk to Fife. Scotland’s biggest Race for Life is on Sunday May 19 at Glasgow Green.

Andi, Archie and family plan to take part in Race for Life Edinburgh on 2 June at Holyrood Park.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Andi, Archie and family for their support and know their story will make an impact on everyone who hears it.

“No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.

"Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.  

“We’d love for as many people as possible across Scotland and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is a race for everyone and we mean everyone. Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and have fun with it. 

“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.” 

Since it began in 1994, more than 10 million people have taken part in Race for Life, funding 30 years of hope and progress.