Road race hits landmark as 6,000th competitor signs up

Krista Stones, from Greenhill, will be running in the 10K road race on Sunday, October 9 to raise money for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity.

The ICT tutor at Freeman College wants to thank the hospital for caring for both her grandfather Frank Bryan and her father-in-law Glynn Stones, who have both battled cancer.

She said: “It was nearly 23 years ago that I first became aware of Weston Park Hospital.

“My granddad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which then spread to his spine.

“My granddad was fantastic, thoughtful and had a great sense of humour.

“He died aged 69 but the standard of care he received at Weston Park was brilliant.

“My father-in-law was also diagnosed with stomach cancer a year ago and his prognosis looked bad.

“But he has had chemotherapy at Weston Park Hospital and the tumour has shrunk. The care and treatment he received has also been fantastic.”

Mrs Stones is already a keen runner, who trains three times a week, and will be running in four 10k events this year.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run and I hope everyone, including my husband Ainsley, will be there to cheer me along.

“I took part in the event last year and it was a great atmosphere. I would encourage people of all abilities to sign up and hopefully we can reach that 10,000 participant milestone.”

The Bupa Great Yorkshire Run follows a course from Sheffield city centre down Penistone Road to Hillsborough football ground and back.

Rachel Thorpe, charity director at Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, said: “The hospital offers fantastic care and treatment to people across the region and as a charity we need to raise £1.3 million every year, so we rely on dedicated fund raisers like Krista to help us make a difference.”

Entry to the run costs £25 for adults, while youngsters can sign up to the Bupa Junior and Mini Great Yorkshire Run for £9.

For further information on entry to the race, visit the website at www.greatrun.org.