13.1 miles in memory of Dad

On Sunday 27 February, Paul Wood, 45, from Peacehaven, ran his fourth Brighton Half Marathon to raise funds for St Barnabas House, the hospice that cared for his dad, Dennis, when he died in 1997. This latest running challenge takes Paul’s fundraising total for the hospice to an incredible £15,500.

“In 1984, when Dad was 36, he noticed that he had a mole that had changed shape and colour. He got it removed and we found out that it was cancerous,” said Paul. “For the next few years, he had regular check-ups and there was nothing to be concerned about.”

A few years later, Dennis found a lump on his leg and was told it was cancerous. “Dad had radiotherapy, but unfortunately the cancer had spread too far and we received the devastating news that the cancer was terminal.”

In February 1997, Dennis was referred to St Barnabas House, where he spent his last weeks and died, aged 50. “The care my dad received at St Barnabas House was incredible, it was first class. Nothing was ever too much trouble,” said Paul. “I will be forever indebted to St Barnabas House, and that’s why I have fundraised for them the last few years.”

When asked what his dad would think about his son’s fundraising, Paul said, “I know that my dad would be very impressed that I’ve run four half marathons! He was a keen runner and huge football fan, so he’d be proud that I’ve been able to take my running to the next level. We’ve held two charity football matches with ex Adur Athletic FC player in the past and raised over £5,000 for St Barnabas House”