Oldhamer Emily to take on the Run Tatton Half Marathon in memory of her father

Twenty-nine-year-old Emily Hayes from Oldham is taking on the Run Tatton Half Marathon on Sunday, November 10, to raise awareness of bowel cancer and in memory of her dad, Peter Hayes.

Peter was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in 2017 and underwent over 80 chemotherapy treatments, always maintaining a smile on his face.

His courage and positivity left a lasting impact on their family.

When Peter died in 2021, Emily’s brother James began fundraising for The Christie Charity and completed The Christie Challenge, raising an incredible £2,802.

This year-long fundraising mission involves six different activities.

Completing each one, and raising £60 or more earns a piece of a medal, with all six pieces combining to create a rainbow Christie embrace.

Inspired by her brother, Emily decided to do some fundraising for The Christie Charity herself, so she and her fiancé, Ross Wick signed up for the Run Tatton Half Marathon.

This exciting event is a fast, undulating road race set in the beautiful Tatton Park, Knutsford as is perfect for runners aiming to set a personal best over the 5k or 10k distances.

It is fully timed, with all participants receiving free official race photos, time-chipped results, post-race goodies, and a brand-new medal.

“I signed up for Run Tatton as I'm keen to fundraise for The Christie before my 30th birthday in December,” said Emily.

“I’ve taken part in park runs and have run up to 10k in casual runs, but never taken part in longer events like this Tatton Park Half Marathon.

"My mum Mandy and my brother James and his girlfriend Amelia will all be cheering us on from the side-lines.”

Emily and Ross have been training close to where they now live, on the Leeds Liverpool Canal, and they also joined a local running club, which they’ve really enjoyed.

Emily said: "We are extremely grateful for The Christie and all that they do.

"They provided a lifeline for my dad and supported our family through what was a really difficult time.'

By running the Run Tatton Half Marathon for The Christie Charity, participants like Emily will make a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families in the North West and across the UK.

Josh Hughff, mass participation events manager from The Christie Charity, said: "Emily’s dedication and tribute to her father together with her impressive fundraising efforts embody the spirit of our community.

"We wish her and Ross the best of luck in the run and thank them for their incredible support."

Donate to Emily and Ross’s fundraising page by clicking here 

To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today (christie.nhs.uk) or ring 0161 446 3988.

The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds.

This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services.

Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.

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