Despite receiving chemotherapy treatment a Crowborough runner is set to tackle The Great North Run to raise funds on behalf of his wife.
Dave Pettitt, 58, is refusing 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.
Becky had been due to compete in the 2022 race which starts in Newcastle and finishes 13 miles later in South Shields. 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’s 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.
“My oncology team want me to carry on running and cycling as they were concerned that taking it away would impact my mental health. 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.
“I know that despite her positive outlook Becky is gutted that she isn’t able to do the race herself. One of her greatest pleasures was running and rheumatoid arthritis has taken that away from her. That said, she carries on with an immensely positive attitude to life and if anything will carry me to the finish line, it will be that!”
Neither Becky nor Dave ever expected to receive the diagnoses they did and the impacts it would have on their lives, but as soon as they could they were the first to support each other when they needed it.
Dave said: “We’ve been married for just over 34 years now and we are still enjoying life but just in a slightly different way. I think we have always taken the view that life is for living and we have laughed our way through the good times and the tougher times, but I think you do what you have to for each other. A marriage is a partnership and if you accept there’s tough times you are much better placed to navigate them.”
So this weekend, despite everything he is going through, Dave is determined to make it to the start line of the Great North Run and complete the 13.1 miles for his wife and Versus Arthritis. And he has already raised more than £4,000.
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.”
To support Dave, visit: https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/dave-pettitt