Parkinson plea to run for Father’s Day event

The fun run takes place in Rowntree Park, York, every year on Father’s Day.

The event on June 15 is designed to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and has raised £45,000 for world-class research into the condition at York University’s Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR) cancer research unit which is led by renowned scientist Prof Norman Maitland.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, accounting for one in four male cases of the disease. More than 40,000 men are diagnosed with it every year, and 10,000 men die annually from the disease.

Barnsley-born Sir Michael, 78, who has been successfully treated for the disease with a course of radiotherapy after being diagnosed last summer, said: “I’m delighted to support such a fantastic Yorkshire event.

“Being diagnosed with prostate cancer has really brought to my attention the urgent need for men to join forces and help to improve the outcome for future patients. Luckily for me they were able to treat it but for 10,000 men every year it’s a different story.”

Volunteer organiser Brian Hughes, 60, who founded the event in 2010, added: “We’re over the moon that Sir Michael has chosen to support our 5K fun run.

“With his help, we’re hoping this year will be bigger than ever. Prof Maitland and his team in York have made some incredible discoveries over the last few years.

“We now know far more about prostate cancer and how it is able to spread, survive and resist aggressive treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. It’s vital that men across the county come together and help us beat this disease.”