Park run to be held in memory of Stephen Sutton
A park run will be held in memory of inspirational fundraiser Stephen Sutton two days before what would have been his 25th birthday.
Chasewater Park Run will stage its first #BigYellowParkRun starting at 9am on December 14 in memory of Stephen who was from Burntwood.
Stephen was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 15 and went through chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but was told his cancer was incurable in December 2012. He then launched an appeal to raise £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
He passed away on May 14, 2014.
The 19-year-old’s legacy continues to help other young people diagnosed with cancer as £5.7m has been raised in his memory.
Diane Crump, Chasewater Park Run event director said: “We are extremely proud and excited to stage our first #BigYellowParkRun in honour of one of the most inspiring people to ever come from the area.
“Stephen's Story is the stuff of legends. It is both inspirational and uplifting with Stephen’s fundraising total for Teenage Cancer Trust now approaching £6million.
“A very big ‘Thank You’ to Stephen's mum Jane, who will be starting the run and then running with us on the day.
“We want as many people as possible to turn up and wear something yellow on the day and a bit of spare change would be nice too for the Teenage Cancer Trust collection bucket.”
Stephen’s mother Jane added: “I was contacted by Chasewater Park Run asking if they could hold a run in memory of Stephen on the Saturday closest to his birthday which is 16th December.
“My immediate reaction was what a lovely gesture.
“I’m delighted to start the run and will then join the rest of the runners on their usual route around Chasewater Country Park before driving over to Bentley Bridge Retail Park to join the Wolverhampton Bobsled Team for what is now becoming our traditional pre-Christmas bucket collection.”
Organisers have asked if runners could wear something yellow and to arrive a little earlier as they anticipate an increase on their normal number of around 200.
The start is close to the Innovation Centre at Chasewater Country Park with the entrance off Lichfield bound A5.
There is a £1 car park charge and you need to bring cash as the machines do not accept cards.
If you are unable to participate but would like to volunteer as a marshal on the day, wear something yellow and get in touch directly with the organisers ahead of the day via chasewater@parkrun.com
You can find more details via the Chasewater Park Run’s Facebook page facebook.com/chasewaterparkrun/
