For Debbie: "I decided to do something in her memory"
28 July 2020
Darren Adnett is running ten 10km races in memory of his friend Debbie Gold, who died of ovarian cancer last year.
"My friend Debbie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when we worked together. It came as a big shock as she had no family history of the disease. She had treatment at Christie's in Manchester and they were amazing. Sadly her cancer returned twice more after that and she passed away last year. Debbie's wish was for any fundraising in her memory go to Ovarian Cancer Action so I decided to do something, in her memory.
"I'd registered to run ten official races across the North West. I ran my first two in Tatton Park and Trafford but then lockdown happened. Debbie's daughters, husband, sisters and grandkids came to support me on both races, as well as my own family at the Trafford race which was brilliant and emotional. I promised myself I'd still run in each of the race locations by myself, but that became impossible as we were shielding my five year old son and I'm type 1 diabetic. Nevertheless, I've still ran 10k on the date of each race, mainly around Sale, where I live. Now that lockdown is easing I'm hoping to run in each location as originally planned.
I’d advise anybody looking to take on a challenge to put all of their doubts and reasons not to do it in the trash can and go for it!
Darren Adnett
"I know Ovarian Cancer Action is helping to find ways to reduce the impact of ovarian cancer, and to improve the lives of women who are diagnosed with the disease. That means so much to me.
"I’d advise anybody looking to take on a challenge to put all of their doubts and reasons not to do it in the trash can and go for it! Honestly, I was not a runner and doubted whether I could do this with my knee injuries, but it got better and better, to the point where I actually enjoy running now and plan on joining a running club when this becomes possible! I already knew, but doing things to help others is great medicine. Raising money to help people really does make you feel better about yourself and gives you purpose and fulfilment."
Feeling inspired? Join our Research Relay.
This August, ride, run or walk to raise funds that will get ovarian cancer research back on track. Pick a distance between our research locations, log your miles, raise funds and discover research you’re funding across the UK along the way.
