This run’s for you, dad
Last updated 23:22, Saturday, 19 April 2008
Katy Weir’s late father was the inspiration behind her decision to take part in the Race for Life.
Katy, 24, of Chesterholm, Carlisle, is one of thousands who – armed with stories of survival and strong admiration for those who suffered the disease – pound the Race For Life tracks every year to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
“I was inspired by my dad’s determination for life. Even when he was poorly he would get up and do things,” she said.
“My dad was an achiever and would want our family to live life for him, which is exactly what I intend to do.”
Theatre actress Katy, ran the 5km Race for Life for the first time last year in memory of former Trinity School teacher Tony Weir, who died of a brain tumour in January 2007.
Mr Weir was diagnosed with cancer in June 2006 and was treated with radiotherapy at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary. Despite being ill, he carried on working with children at the school where he taught for 23 years.
His death touched the hearts of many people.
Katy said: “He was a really great man and was still teaching two weeks before he died, always helping others. We received letters saying my dad had made them believe that they could do anything, and that made me realise that it was not just me who thought he was amazing.
“At his funeral there were over 400 people, many of them were children, who celebrated his life. It was a very child-orientated funeral with the choir singing, children’s pictures on the order of service, and rugby anthems – exactly how he would have wanted it.
“He was a very clever man who never let an opportunity pass him by – a professional footballer, industry manager, and teacher. It is for this reason I had to run. I had to grab the bull by the horns and do it for him.”
- Are you taking part in Race for Life this year? Have you run before in celebration or in memory of a suffer or are you a cancer survivor yourself?
- We want to hear your story. Contact reporter Linzi Watson by email at lwatson@cngroup.co.uk or call 01228 612643.
