A Workington veteran who ran 115 miles while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer has praised the ‘tremendous’ generosity of people as he approaches target.
Keith Atkinson, 70, who served for 38 years in the Army Reserves, is renewing his fundraising appeal in the wake of Armistice Day, with just £491 needed to reach £10,000 before donations close on Monday, November 23.
Keith has raised £9,509 for Prostate Cancer Research and is now asking the public to help him reach the milestone.
On Sunday, Keith took part in the Remembrance Sunday parade in Whitehall, London, following the National Act of Remembrance led by the King.
Keith said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received, and I’m very grateful to everyone who has contributed.
“The generosity people have shown has been tremendous.
“We’re now just £491 away from £10,000, and it would be great to reach that mark before donations close on 23 November.
“With the deadline approaching, I’d encourage anyone who would like to support the campaign to donate.
“Every contribution will help us get there.”
A further £1,093.89 has been raised in Gift Aid.
Keith currently leads the charity’s Run 50 Miles in October fundraising leaderboard nationally, £1,720 ahead of the next highest fundraiser among 2,513 participants.
Diagnosed in July following a PSA blood test and biopsy, Keith had experienced no symptoms.
He is receiving hormone treatment and is due to begin stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in December, with treatment expected to finish before Christmas.
Despite his diagnosis, Keith took on the charity’s October challenge and more than doubled its 50-mile target.
The challenge set running distances across 19 days, but Keith decided to run on all 31 days of the month, carrying a 36lb rucksack on the designated challenge days.
By the end of October, he had covered 115 miles, including 70 miles carrying the weighted pack.
Alongside raising money for research, Keith has used his campaign to encourage men to speak to their GP about prostate cancer and PSA testing, drawing on his own experience of being diagnosed without symptoms.
His story has featured on various news outlets, helping him take that message to audiences across the county.
Following his TV appearance, New Balance’s Flimby factory invited Keith to speak to around 180 employees at a December staff briefing.
He will discuss his diagnosis and fundraising challenge, giving him another opportunity to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Workington construction and civil engineering company Stobbarts Ltd has supported Keith with a donation and help publicising his campaign.
With his running challenge complete, Keith is asking individuals and businesses to help him cross the £10,000 fundraising finish line before donations close on Monday, November 23.
To donate, visit the donation page here
