Runners raise £14,000 for the fight against cancer

Picture: Professor Norman Maitland (second right) with RUTTP? organisers,  from left John Forsyth, David Harper, Julie Russell and Brian Hughes.  Photographer: David Harrison https://dharrisonyorkphotos.smugmug.com/

Charity-minded runners who took to the streets of York this summer raised £14,000 for cancer research and care.

Almost 400 men and boys took part in R U Taking The P?, York’s annual males-only 5K, on Father’s Day this year.

Those raising funds have contributed £7,000 to the prostate cancer research work of Professor Norman Maitland at the University of York and the same amount towards our work.

Organisers of the event, held in and around Bishopthorpe Road, gathered at Professor Maitland’s laboratory on International Men’s Day to hand over the proceeds of this year’s event to him and to us.

“International Men’s Day is all about men leading by example,” said David Harper, one of the organisers. “It’s the perfect platform for us to encourage men over 50 to get tested for prostate cancer.”

Brian Hughes, founder of RUTTP?, said this year’s event had been bigger and better than ever. “I was really delighted by the atmosphere which was even more exciting because of the link with the Bishy Road traders,” he said. “We can’t thank them enough.”

Professor Norman Maitland said: “The extra funds support new approaches outwith our current programme. Without it our ability to innovate would be compromised.”

Julie Russell, our general manager, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part to raise money for our work. It will make a real difference to local people living with cancer.”

Organisers are already looking forward to next year’s event and hoping that more runners than ever will join them to raise money for the two good causes. Anyone interested in enrolling should contact York Against Cancer on 01904 764466 or email office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk