Diane prepares for the run of her life…
30 September 2019
LEEK United’s Diane Gregory is preparing for the most poignant run of her life – to help save men from one of the UK’s most common killer diseases.
Mortgage underwriter Diane, 58, takes part in London’s Royal Parks Half-Marathon* on Sunday 13 October in aid of Prostate Cancer UK**.
And the event holds a special significance for her, as she will be running in memory of her late father, who passed away in 2016 after battling the illness.
“Prostate Cancer UK is one of the Mortgage Department’s chosen charities this year, and I thought it would be really fitting to do something in Dad’s honour,” said Diane, who has already completed two previous marathons and several half-marathons.
Joining Diane for the Royal Parks run will be one of her three sisters, who encouraged Diane to take up running 10 years ago.
“Training is hard because of the time factor, and fitting it in around work and family life, but I’m already up to 11 miles per run now, and gradually increasing the distance and building my stamina as I go,” added Diane.
In the weeks and months leading up to the October event, Diane has been holding car boot sales and collecting donations and sponsorship from Leek United colleagues. She has also set up a JustGiving page, and has pledged to raise a minimum of £350 for Prostate Cancer UK.
* First held in 2008, the 13.1-miles half-marathon takes in many of London’s world-famous landmarks on closed road, as well as four of the capitals eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.
**Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 4,000 new cases diagnosed every year.
Prostate Cancer UK’s top priority is funding research to stop prostate cancer killing men. It invests millions of pounds to find better treatments and better tests that can spot fast-growing cancers early, and could be used in a screening programme to save thousands of lives.
Picture caption: Diane with her 12-year-old dog, Max, her faithful training partner for the last 10 years.
NB. The image supplied is for use ONLY in relation to the attached press release.
