Leeds man’s half marathon raises £1000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research

A Leeds man has raised £1000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research by running the Leeds Half Marathon.

Jake Parry decided to raise funds for the charity in memory of his best friend’s dad, who passed away from cancer while he was training for the event.

He said: “My best friend suggested doing the Leeds Half Marathon and he’s a big fan of running. I usually hate running so I initially said there was no chance he’d get me to do it with him.

“A few weeks later he found out his dad’s cancer had returned, and I decided that I would run the Leeds Half with him to help raise some money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.”

Jake’s best friend found out his dad had oesophageal cancer in 2020, and his initial treatment finished in 2021. Unfortunately, the family found out that the cancer had returned in April 2022.

He said: “My friend’s dad sadly passed away a few days before the race, so it was a big push to keep going and to fundraise as much as possible.”

The 27-year-old took on the 13.1 miles with only five weeks’ training and completed the distance in under two hours.

He continued: “There were some parts where I struggled and needed a boost but everyone nearby cheering and handing out energy drinks and snacks really helped. I wanted to push through for the cause, and it was all worth it in the end.

“When I finished, I swore I’d never do another one again, but it only took a day or two before I was looking for the next race to sign up to.”