Doctor duo don trainers for Yorkshire Marathon in support of cancer charity
15 January 2015
Two doctors from Weston Park Hospital are taking on the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon in April to support the hospital’s dedicated cancer charity.
Oncologists, Matthew Winter and Jim Lester have vowed to complete the challenging 13.1 mile route on the 12th April to raise as much money as possible for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity.
Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for the hospital and exists to support world-class cancer research and to improve the treatment and care for people living with cancer.
The major new charity road race – organised by Run For All in partnership with Sheffield City Council – is hoping to attract thousands of runners of all abilities and spectators to the streets of Sheffield whilst raising thousands of pounds for good causes.
The duo are taking part in the race as part of ‘Team Weston Park’ - a fundraising initiative that encourages people to enter organised running events and raise sponsorship for the region’s only specialist cancer hospital.
Both doctors, who have been avid supporters of the cancer charity over the years, are facing the challenge in competitive spirits by engaging in some friendly rivalry to help them reach the finish line.
Jim, who has worked at Weston Park Hospital for 11 years and specialises in head and neck and skin cancer said,
“I have been looking for a new challenge to do this year to help raise funds for our Cancer Charity and this will certainly be that. It will be great to do this race around the hills of Sheffield but I will need lots of training and support to make it to the finish line.”
“It will be a serious challenge this year, starting in the city centre then climbing to the top of Ringinglow Road and then back down again. I have not done a half marathon distance since I was 17 when I was considerably slimmer and fitter.”
Jim is also taking on a cycling challenge in May in support of the cancer charity which sees him cover a 200 mile route from Newcastle to Edinburgh.
Throughout 2015 the charity will fund various projects to enable the continued improvement of Weston Park Hospital; including the expansion of research studies, improving the way cancer treatments are delivered and supporting the ongoing care provisions of patients and their families affected by cancer.
Sarah Cross, charity fundraiser, said: “It’s great that both Jim and Matt are taking part in this exciting new run for the charity. They experience, first hand, on a daily basis the difference money from the charity makes to those receiving treatment at the hospital.
“Our ‘Run & Raise’ initiative encourages anyone, from seasoned runners to total beginners, to join Team Weston Park and raise vital funds to support pioneering cancer research and enhance treatment and care for thousands of cancer patients across our region.”
This year it is hoped that more people will join the charity’s ‘Run& Raise’ team and take on a running challenge during 2015.
This year, the popular half marathon boasts a brand new route with a city centre start and finish, taking in some of the most spectacular views across the Peak District.
Sarah added: “We’re encouraging people to challenge themselves in 2015 and take part in a sponsored run, such as the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon, with Team Weston Park.
“It’s a fantastic way to feel part of a running community while getting a head start on those new years resolutions. When runners sign up, they’ll receive a free charity running vest to proudly wear on race day whilst been cheered on by our dedicated cheering squad as they pass!”
To sponsor Jim’s fundraising efforts sponsor him at: https://www.justgiving.com/Jim-Lester2/
To find out more about joining the cancer charity’s ‘Ride and Raise’ team visit www.rideandraise.org.uk
To sign up for the Plusnet Yorkshire Half Marathon visit: http://www.wphcancercharity.org.uk/event_yorkshire_half_marathon.html
ENDS
Issued by Cassie Melluish for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity. For more information please call 0114 2265089.
