Something for all the family
The 2007 Run for the Future will have special significance for one West family, who will be competing en masse to support the fight against prostate cancer.
This year’s event is being held on the Downs in Bristol on Sunday, 16 September, and has special significance for the Dymond family.
Three generations of Dymonds have been affected by prostate cancer, with Michael being the latest to die from it six years ago in his early 60’s. Since then his brother, Leslie (66), and other family members have rallied to the cause and they’ll all be taking part in Run for the Future – even the grandchildren!
“Michael lived at Rode near Frome and battled the disease for 10 years. He was a brilliant man and worked for the MoD. He only discovered he had prostate cancer when he had a health check up at work, but it was too late to do anything about it,” said Leslie, who lives in Trowbridge.
“We also think our paternal grandfather and paternal uncle both died from it, so now I get checked regularly. Because of the strong familial links, my sons Mark and Neil also both have tests, even though they are only in their early 40’s.”
Michael had also been a trustee of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, a position Leslie has been pleased to step into to continue the family involvement. Recently the group has funded the trial of a new treatment for prostate cancer called brachytherapy. Over the last 10 years they’ve raised over £2m.
“As a family we are committed to supporting the fight against prostate cancer,” says Leslie. “Men have to be aware of the disease and go to their GP’s and have a simple PSA blood test. It could save their life!”
Each year more than 30,000 men in the UK get prostate cancer and around 14,000 die. Vital research is carried out at the Bristol Urological Institute and money raised by Bristol Rotarians’ Run for the Future will go to the BUI’s Prostate Cancer Charity Appeal.
Neil Dymond, who works for Beachcroft and lives in Bristol, is also on the Run for the Future organising committee and says the event is one for the whole family. “It’s not just the men who are affected by prostate cancer, but their wives and their children. The run will not only help fund vital research, but also raise awareness.”
For further information about the 2007 Run for the Future, or to participate in the event, visit the website at www.runforthefuture.org or phone the Run for the Future office on 0117 9596328 for a Registration form.
Picture shows the Dymond family - Les is second from left on the back row - complete with grandchildren.
