Hundreds run to raise awareness
ABOUT 500 men, women and children laced up their trainers and took on a 5km route around The Downs for the seventh annual Run for the Future.
Organised by Rotary in Bristol, the run raises money for the Bristol Urological Institute's Prostate Cancer Appeal, based at Southmead.
Before this year's event it had already raised £225,000, which has been used for research into the disease which affects more than 40,000 men in the UK every year and kills more than 10,000. And thousands of pounds more will be added following yesterday's effort.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Peter Main, officially started the run at midday.
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A total of 17 adults and four children were running in memory of Brian Chappell, who died from prostate cancer at the age of 57.
His family all sported T-shirts with his picture on, and the word BOGOF because Brian's catchphrase used to be "buy one get one free".
His widow Xina, 64, of Hungerford Gardens, Brislington, said: "Brian was only 57 – that's no age at all. He would be so proud we're all here."
One of his grandchildren, Clare Wood, 26, said: "Prostate cancer is such a sensitive area, it really needs to get more awareness. People need to swallow their pride almost, and get themselves checked out because it's too important not to."
Father and son Ron and Dave Moss were running for three people who died from cancer, two from prostate.
Ron's neighbours on Home Farm Way, Easter Compton, Harry Lane and Nigel Jonas were in their seventies and forties respectively, when they passed away.
Ron, 65 said: "The important thing is to make people aware of the disease. As you get older, you become more aware of this sort of thing as people you know suffer from it, but everyone should know about the dangers of prostate cancer."
Dave, 36, ran in memory of his wife Alison's grandad Fred Seymour, who was in his 80s.
Acacia Boyle, Melissa Sheppard, Nicci Haden and Mark Keightley also took part.
Acacia, 25, from Winterbourne, said: "I'm running for my grandad Ron Cates. He's 86 and is suffering from prostate cancer.
"It's nice that families and children can get involved. It brings the community together."
Melissa, 27, from Stapleton, added: "I would like to see Run for the Future become as big as Race For Life.
"I'm doing the run for a challenge, but it's only a fraction of the challenge people suffering with cancer face."
Head of fundraising at Southmead Hospital, Trevor Reid, said: "It was a really good atmosphere this year, with lots of families and even young children taking part."
For more information visit www.runforthefuture.org.uk or call the Bristol District Cancer Support Group, "Prospect", on 01934 626799.
To donate in memory of Brian Chappell, visit www.justgiving.com/ Michelle-Hawkes.
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