Geoff backs York charity 5K

 

York rugby legend Geoff Hunter is rising to a fresh sporting challenge at the age of 80 - to raise awareness of the cancer that claimed his father’s life and went on to strike him, too.

Geoff, a former captain of York RLFC, and his brother Kenneth, seven years his junior, are both taking part in R U Taking The P?, the York males-only charity 5K.

The annual race at Rowntree Park raises thousands for prostate cancer research at York University and for York Against Cancer, as well as reminding men to be vigilant about their prostate health.

Men and boys have been busily signing up on line for this year’s event at http://www.yorkagainstcancer.org.uk/events/r-u-taking-p-18th-june

And when they join them in the starting line-up both Geoff and Kenneth, another York RL stalwart, will be remembering their father William.

He died of prostate cancer and his birthday fell on June 18, Father’s Day and the date of this year’s race.

Geoff, of Huntington, York, said they also hoped to help spread the word about prostate cancer, for which he himself had been treated back in 2007.

“Everyone is touched by cancer in one way or another,” said Geoff.  “We wanted to raise awareness and this is also a nice way for us to remember our father on his birthday.”

Geoff hasn’t done any specific training for RUTTP?, although he has walked the course. But he remains a keen golfer and feels confident he will be up to the challenge. This year will be the third time he has completed the race.

It’s a lovely gesture that Geoff and Kenneth are making,” said York Against Cancer general manager Julie Russell. “They are living proof that this is an event for all ages and we are delighted that they are taking part.”