Determined student to run ultramarathon in memory of Nan
Connor Smith, 18, from Sheffield, is taking on incredible challenge of running the Endurancelife South Devon
Ultra Marathon. Connor will be completing the challenge on the 3rd February to help raise vital funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer Action in memory of his Nan.
The Sheffield Hallam University student’s nan, Beryl, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2015. Beryl underwent the Whipple operation and had chemotherapy, but she sadly lost her fight against the disease on 13th November 2016.
Connor says, “I am taking on the challenge because as a runner I have always been amazed by the idea of running an ultra-marathon. Upon discovering I could run the South Devon ultra for charity this only gave me more drive to do one and challenge myself over such a distance while raising money for a great charity at the same time.”
“I am taking on this challenge for Pancreatic Cancer Action because after losing my nan to pancreatic cancer I want to help the charity in their work to raise awareness of the disease.”
Connor’s Grandad, Barry, is one of our Regional Representative and will be cheering him on throughout his race.
Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer. The survival rate is just 5% which is the lowest of any cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Action is committed to working towards earlier diagnosis of the disease so that surgery, currently the only cure, is made available to the sufferer. The charity fund research into early diagnosis, provide medical education programmes, and launch awareness campaigns.
Ali Stunt, Founder of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted that Connor is giving his time to support Pancreatic Cancer Action in such an incredible challenge. We are very sorry to hear about Beryl, it is lovely that you are raising awareness of the disease in her memory.”
“We rely solely on donations from the public and thanks to people like Connor that we can continue our vital work. Please back him in his fundraising efforts so that we can continue research into early diagnosis and raise awareness of pancreatic cancer.”
You can sponsor Connor here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/connor-smith6