York fun run raises thousands

PICTURE: race organisers, back row from left, Brian Hughes, John Forsyth, David Harper and Richard Smith, gather with Dr Fiona Frame and Julie Russell to celebrate the fun run’s success at Brian’s salon in York.

York’s unique charity fun run has marked its first decade by raising a bumper fundraising total of £17,393.72 for cancer care, research and awareness at its 2019 race.

The record 500-plus men and boys who took part in R U Taking the P…? in June were supporting local prostate cancer research and awareness as well as the work of city charity York Against Cancer.

The males-only 5K was established by York hairdresser Brian Hughes, a founder of Knavesmire Harriers, who was inspired to fundraise after a friend lost his life to prostate cancer.

He and fellow organisers Richard Smith, David Harper and John Forsyth have handed over the proceeds from the event to Julie Russell, general manager of York Against Cancer, and Dr Fiona Frame of Hull University. The two will share the money equally.

Doctor Frame was a close colleague of the University of York’s Professor Norman Maitland and following his retirement she is continuing to research prostate cancer.

Dr Frame thanked the race organisers and all the people who had helped make the run such a success. “The men of York have really done us all proud and to have local support for research into prostate cancer is so encouraging,” she said.

 

Julie Russell said: “We are amazed by how well our runners have done with their fundraising this year. R U Taking The P..?  just seems to go from strength to strength and we can’t thank our fundraisers enough.”

Minster FM’s audience have voted R U Taking The P…?  into the finals of the radio station’s Listener Choice Awards in the Charity Event of the Year category.

Brian Hughes said he was thrilled that it had been singled out in such a way. “I never thought when I first had the idea of R U Taking The P..? that it would grow to become such a well-loved part of York’s running calendar,” he said. “It’s very humbling.”

It’s not too late to vote for R U Taking the P..? to become Minster FM’s Charity Event of the Year. To cast your vote visit. https://www.minsterfm.com/local-events/lcavote-charity.php