'Incredibly active' young woman who went to doctors after neck and back pain received worst possible diagnosis

-Credit: (Image: Supplied)
-Credit: (Image: Supplied)


A retired detective is running a half marathon every week of this year, in memory of his daughter who died from a rare cancer after visiting the doctors with pain in her back and neck.

David South served 31 years with Greater Manchester Police and ran several half marathons with his daughter, Kerry, who before her illness was “incredibly active” in paddle boarding, kayaking and cycling.

In February 2022 Kerry began experiencing pain in her neck and upper back, initially thought to be pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart lining. But in June a scan revealed tumours in her heart and lungs, with a biopsy confirming she had angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the blood vessels.

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Despite undergoing two rounds of chemotherapy – and suffering a stroke which saw her undergo brain surgery and learn how to walk again – Kerry’s condition deteriorated and she sadly died in November 2023, aged 32.

"She didn't let the cancer define her," David, 59, recalls of his late daughter. "Every morning, she would come downstairs with a smile on her face.

Kerry South. Her father David is running 52 half-marathons a year in her memory -Credit:Supplied
Kerry South. Her father David is running 52 half-marathons a year in her memory -Credit:Supplied

“She wanted to live her life to the best of her ability, fully embracing each day with positivity. We are honoured as her parents to have shared the moments we did with her. She displayed incredible positivity in the face of adversity”.

Kerry had been an NHS healthcare assistant and had worked with stroke patients. By the time of her illness, David was retired, and together with his wife – who gave up working – they dedicated themselves to looking after her.

Grappling with grief and anger after Kerry's passing, David found solace and purpose in running. "I had a hole that I needed to fill with something," he said.

"Then, one day while I was running, I remembered that Kerry and I had done several half marathons together, so I decided I would do 52, one for every week of the year, to raise money for research into sarcoma."

Kerry South during treatment for a rare cancer, sarcoma. Her father David is running 52 half-marathons a year in her memory - and to raise money for research into the disease. -Credit:Supplied
Kerry South during treatment for a rare cancer, sarcoma. Her father David is running 52 half-marathons a year in her memory - and to raise money for research into the disease. -Credit:Supplied

To date, David has completed 36 half marathons, covering an impressive 471 miles and raising £8,500 for sarcoma research. His goal is to complete all 52 by the end of the year.

"Angiosarcoma is a nasty, horrible cancer," David said. "I hope to contribute to a future where other families might be spared the pain we've endured."

Dr Sorrel Bickley, Director of Research at Sarcoma UK said: “Stories like Kerry's underscore the urgent need for more research into rare cancers like these. Every mile David runs brings us closer to better treatments and outcomes for people affected by sarcoma.”

“We're profoundly grateful for his dedication and the awareness he's raising about these rare but devastating cancers."

Those wishing to support David South's fundraising campaign for sarcoma research can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-South2.