Run for the Future

Hope for the Future

Hope for the Future!

Nearly 650 men, women and children took part in a 5km run around the Downs in Bristol at the weekend to give hope to the thousands of men in the UK who suffer from prostate cancer.

The Run for Future event was organised by Bristol Rotarians to raise money for the BUI Bristol Prostate Cancer Appeal and fund vital research into the diagnosis and treatment of a disease which claims the lives of more than 14,000 men every year.

First across the line in just over 18 minutes was Nick Clarke, from Clifton, whose father, John, has been a victim of prostate cancer.

Five minutes later, the 25 year old Royal Marine’s girlfriend, Rachel Irwin, was the first woman back.

The event was all about families, such as the Brazell’s from Olveston. Brother John and Adam headed up a team of 30 family and friends from all over the UK. They were running in memory of their father, Graham, who died from the disease in May.

The Parsons family from Wotton under Edge were running for their father, Derek, who received the all clear just a few days before following an operation to remove the cancer. They hope the increased awareness will encourage more men to ask their GP’s for the PSA blood test which could save their lives!

From Clevedon was the Lawrence family, running on behalf of father Pete, “Uncle Pete” on BBC Radio Bristol, who’s been battling prostate cancer for several years.

Ian Beattie, Rotarian and Race Co-ordinator, said everyone who took part deserved praise, as well as Rotary members from across the area, who acted as marshals and stewards.

“Run for the Future is all about giving people hope and thanks to Run for the Future research has already been started into a new way of diagnosing prostate cancer, which could lead to the introduction of a national screening programme,” he said.

Pictures show race winners, Nick Clarke and Rachel Irwin and the Parsons family crossing the line.