Despite receiving chemotherapy treatment a Crowborough runner has completed the Great North Run to raise funds on behalf of his wife.
Dave Pettitt, 58, refused to let his bowel cancer diagnosis get in the way of his running – and particularly running for the charity, Versus Arthritis, on behalf of his wife, Becky, 53, who has arthritis.
He completed the gruelling 13 mile run, which starts in Newcastle and finishes in South Shields in just 2 hours 15 minutes, raising an astonishing £6,500 – smashing his fundraising target of £4,000.
Becky had been due to compete in the 2022 race but her plans were scuppered when she got the shock rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. She deferred her place hoping she would be able to compete in future but instead has had to give up running.
Dave stepped in to take her place but four weeks after committing to run in Becky’s place he received the unexpected diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer. Inspired by his wife’s determination he is refusing to let his treatment stand in his way.
“It popped a rather inconvenient bump in my training to say the least,” Dave said. As someone who is used to pushing himself to great lengths physically, running and cycling regularly for 15 years, he was left feeling unsure how his treatment would leave him feeling physically and what he would be capable of and sought advice.
But he said he was determined to compete and complete the run. “When I am running it’s the only time I focus proactively on sending my cancer a message, it’s not welcome and it can do one!” he added.
Versus Arthritis is the leading dedicated charity funder of arthritis research and has been involved in breakthroughs which have changed the landscape for people with rheumatoid arthritis, reducing chronic pain and helping them regain independence. The charity is working towards a future where people can live free from the pain of arthritis.
Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, said: “Over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis – that’s one in six living with the pain, fatigue and disability it can cause. Something Becky knows all too well. The Great North Run is an incredible event and every year I am in awe of the dedication and commitment from all those taking it on. Dave’s commitment to continue fundraising for Versus Arthritis despite his cancer diagnosis is both admirable and inspiring to us all.”