IT’S one month down, 11 to go for a Northwich civil engineer running 5k each day to raise money in memory of a friend lost to a brain tumour.
Dad-of-two Rick Dickens, 36, began his attempt on January 1 and is still going strong in aid of the Brain Tumour Research charity.
Franklin with Rick Dickens
Rick’s close friend Danny Jones, from Chester, died of a brain tumour aged just 31, leaving behind wife Tara, young son Franklin and 15-year-old daughter Holly.
Danny had been battling an aggressive, grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) for two and a half years.
Rick, who works in Warrington, said: “Danny was an incredible guy.
Danny with baby Franklin
“Within the space of three years we saw him go from being a fit and healthy sports coach to going through four brain surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and eventually ending up wheelchair-bound.
“It was just so tragic and he is sorely missed.”
Rick is no stranger to endurance feats, having completed the 75-mile Saltmarsh Ultra Marathon in 2015 for Brain Tumour Research.
Franklin and Danny
Rick, dad to Barney, seven, and Penny, four, said: “It is a juggle trying to fit the runs in around busy family life but I haven’t missed a day so far and I’m really enjoying the challenge.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from relatives, friends and colleagues, who have donated generously and even joined me on some of my daily jogs. I hope Danny would be really proud of me for raising vital funds and awareness of this horrendous disease.”
n Follow the progress on Twitter @DadsRuns or donate online at justgiving.com/fundraising/DadRuns
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