Trinity Park cancer event was 'beautiful and emotional'

This Saturday saw people travel to Trinity Park in Ipswich from as far afield as London, Birmingham, Northampton, Brighton and even all the way from Ireland.

The plan was to recreate the cancer awareness ribbon, with the hopes of smashing the current world record which saw 8,264 people standing in formation.

In the end, this record still stands – but more importantly, said co-organiser Mandeep Birdy, around a thousand people were able to come together, share their stories, and prove that nobody fighting the disease is alone.

“It was so beautiful and so emotional,” said Mandeep.

“The most important thing was this sheer amount of love from one stranger to another.

“There were people of all ages, different backgrounds, but they were just together. You could smile at the person next to you and they don’t know you from Adam – but you knew they understood what you were feeling totally.”

Co-organiser of the event, Mandeep Birdy and Emma Adams, who was able to leave hospital and celebrate for a short time while she undergoes cancer treatment. (Image: Owen Broom)

Having everyone stand together against cancer was deeply moving, said Mandeep. (Image: Owen Broom)

Mandeep said that the day would not have been possible without the help of the dedicated volunteers. (Image: Owen Broom)

People fighting all forms of cancer were present, as well as their friends and families. Many also came along in memory of their loved ones.

A new record was reached for the number of signatures collected on a cancer awareness ribbon, with just under one thousand people signing their names.

The day was made even more special by the appearance of co-organiser Emma Adams (who is also co-founder of Hope to Connect alongside Mandeep), who managed to leave hospital for an hour to join in the celebrations. Emma was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, with the cancer now having spread across her body and reached stage 4.

(Image: Owen Broom)

People add their names to the cancer awareness ribbon, with this figure breaking the record. (Image: Owen Broom)

Ipswich Mayor Stefan Long pictured enjoying himself on the day. (Image: Owen Broom)

People pictured signing their names on Mandeep Birdy's car. (Image: Owen Broom)

Mandeep's car, sprayed hot pink courtesy of Ipswich Smart Repair and Detailing Centre, was also a part of the celebrations, with people signing their names directly onto the car. (Image: Owen Broom)

Top sponsors of the day included Fleximize and the East of England Co-Op, who, said Mandeep, had been “by our side from the very beginning”.

She would also like to thank the countless volunteers, from lifelong friends to eager strangers, who made the day possible.

Now, said Mandeep, well-wishers are already asking if they will try to break more records next year. For now, Mandeep said that she and the team are focusing on crowdfunding for their new app, Hope to Connect.

More than £2,000 was raised on the day for five chosen cancer charities.