Fundraising's a family affair for Freemason Joe

The loss of a brother to prostate cancer spurred York man Joe Postill into taking part in R U Taking the P?, the annual males-only 5K that boosts local cancer research and care.

And Freemason Joe was among runners at this year’s event with the support of his brethren at Minster Lodge, York.

Joe, seen here approaching the finishing line in his Masonic apron, persuaded the Lodge to make a £350 donation to the RUTTP? appeal, which will be a valuable boost to the prostate cancer research of Professor Norman Maitland at the University of York and to our charity work.

Joe first ran the RUTTP? race four years ago in memory of his brother, John, who died of prostate cancer aged just 61.

Over the years participation in the event has become a family affair, with grandson Nathanial Postill and son-in-law David Jackson taking part and raising more than £1,000 for the cause.

Joe said when he lost his brother he was looking around for a cause to support and RUTTP? seemed ideal. “We can all relate to it,” he said. “Everyone knows someone who has died or suffered from cancer, and I wanted to put something back into the community.”

Julie Russell, general manager at York Against Cancer, said the charity relied on the efforts of people like Joe, David and Nathanial, as well as the goodwill of organisations such as Minster Lodge. The money given would be well used by both our charity and by Prof Maitland’s team.