Yahoo News Plymouth mum's vow in memory of brother who died just three weeks after cancer diagnosis
A Plymstock woman is about to take on her fourth Race for Life next month in memory of her brother. It will be the fourth of the charity runs Becky Morrish has taken part in together with her daughter Elsie, now 8.
Following the death of her brother Patrick, she pledged to keep his memory alive by taking part in the 5k in aid of Cancer Research every year. Patrick was just 36 when he died, three weeks after being diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer.
Becky and Elsie will line up with hundreds of other runners for Plymouth Race for Life on Sunday, June 2 at Hoe Park. Many of those taking part will, like the mum and daughter, be remembering a loved one lost to cancer.
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Becky said: “Patrick was a much-loved older brother and an amazing uncle, he was always the first person I rang whenever Elsie was sick for advice or comfort. Elsie asked me why I was doing the race and we’ve always said ‘to help poorly people like Uncle Patrick.’
"Now she’s older, Elsie wants to help do the same. This will be our fourth Race for Life and every year Elsie says let’s help make medicine for all the poorly people like Uncle Patrick.’"
The race will welcome all ages and abilities, and runners can also take part in a 10k. The charity is also holding Pretty Muddy - a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course - for adults and kids on July 21.
Becky, 35, a teaching assistant at Elburton Primary School in Plymouth, said: “It will feel like a magical moment when I cross the finish line at Race for Life with Elsie. Patrick sadly died just three weeks after a late-stage bowel cancer diagnosis.
"We try and take part in various charity events and do these in memory of Patrick."
Race for Life events take place across the country and raise millions of pounds every year for research into new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers.
Alison Birkett, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the South West, said: “We are grateful to Becky and Elsie for their support and know their story will make an impact on everyone who hears it. No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.
"Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK. Whether people are living with cancer, are taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with the disease, or are in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone."
Find out more and sign up at raceforlife.org
