Daughter runs 10k in memory of dad

Friday 27th April 2012

A dedicated daughter is running 10k to support a hospital which helped her father who "meant the world to her".

Cathryn Parrish from Royston, in Barnsley, is tackling Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity's annual Run in the Park in memory of her father Peter Walsh.

Peter, who died two years ago aged 77, was treated for throat cancer at the Sheffield-based hospital and gained an extra 25 years of life.

Cathryn, 31, will be taking on the run with her husband Simon to thank the hospital for its work.

She said: "I want to do this to thank the hospital for the care they gave my dad. I was four years old when he was first diagnosed and underwent his treatment.

"He always said that thanks to the hospital he got an extra 25 years of life and how much he appreciated the care he received.

"Without the team at Weston Park Hospital I would not have had the chance to properly know my dad. He meant the world to me, and without the hospital he wouldn't have been able to watch me grow up, see me marry or meet his grandchildren."

Cathryn, who is mum to Lewis, 10, Charlotte, six, and Jack, five, has stepped up her training ahead of the event saying "I am motivated because it's such a good cause".

Helen Gentle, fundraiser at the cancer charity, said: "From first timers to experienced runners, we welcome everyone to take part in either our 10k race or 3k fun run and together we can make a real difference."

The Run in the Park in Graves Park, Sheffield, on July 1, features a 3k fun run as well as the 10k race.

Runners are encouraged to get sponsored for the event, which aims to help the charity raise funds to continue its work supporting research, treatment and care at Weston Park Hospital.

To enter visit http://www.wphcancercharity.org.uk and search the events section.

To donate to Cathryn visit http://www.justgiving.com/cathrynparrish.

---