Cancer Patient on Road to Recovery Sets Sights on Finish Line at Run in the Park

9th June 2015

A dad of two from Sheffield is taking on a charity run this July in a bid to return to full fitness after being diagnosed with cancer just last year.

Darren Clewes (40) from Wincobank has signed up for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity's popular Run in the Park event to say thank you for his exceptional care by staff at Weston Park Hospital. Just under a year ago in June 2014, after finding a lump and visiting his GP, running enthusiast Darren was given the shock diagnosis of neck cancer; affecting the tonsils, glands and lymph nodes. Darren, who credits the wonderful staff at Weston Park Hospital for supporting him through his cancer journey, has now vowed to raise as much money as possible for the hospital's dedicated charity by taking on their 10k run on the 12th July. Now into its seventh year, Run in the Park welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to take on either a 3k fun run or 10k race through Graves Park as part of this popular event. Sponsored by Autoworld and Irwin Mitchell, the event, which last year saw over 900 people attend, has raised over an incredible £250,000 since it first began 7 years ago and each year attracts more runners wanting to support the work of Weston Park Hospital. Darren said, -My treatment at Weston Park Hospital was tough, but the kindness and professionalism of all the staff there totally got me through and I'm pleased to say that I'm on the recovery trail. -I was totally wowed by the support of the doctors, nurses and volunteers there and I feel it's time to give something back. Every face, without exception, was supportive, friendly and kind. The staff go through this on a daily basis with many patients but remain tireless in their energies and individual in their approach to each person. -I've set a modest target of £150, but there are people attending the hospital who are less fortunate and less able than me, so anything I can raise will undoubtedly make a big difference. Although Darren's treatment, which included 7 weeks of daily Radiotherapy sessions and weekly chemotherapy, is now complete, he still visits the hospital every month for ongoing check ups. On his road to recovery, Darren, who works as a Sales Manager for Outdoor Advertising Company, Primesight, will take on the 10k race this July in a bid to regain his fitness levels and raise much needed sponsorship for the cancer charity. Entries are open for both the 10k race and 3k family fun run, which will raise vital funds and help keep more families in our region together for longer. Community Fundraiser, Lucy King said, - We are incredibly grateful to Darren, who, despite only recently completing treatment, is joining us at this years Run in the Park to help support the cancer charity and hospital in any way he can. -Darren is an inspirational example of how past and present patients can join us for this exciting day and step out to say their own special thank you to the hospital. -Sponsorship raised from Run in the Park will ultimately help transform cancer services for patients right across our region. The cancer charity needs to raise over £1.8 million this year to fund a wide range of projects that will keep Weston Park Hospital at the forefront of cancer treatment. To register for Run in the Park visit www.runinthepark.org.uk or ring the Cancer Charity office on 0114 2265370.