Local Man Takes on 5K Run

Monday, 18 June 2012

Only months after undergoing treatment for cancer 64 year-old Gavin Bell who lives in Drumbreck in Glasgow is preparing to take on the Big Fun Run 5K at Bellahouston Park in July.

Late last year he was diagnosed with throat cancer, and began an intensive course of chemo-radiation over the Christmas/New Year period. In May a CT scan and an ultra-sound examination of his throat revealed no traces of the cancer. While the treatment was successful, it has left Gavin seriously underweight and weakened, and taking part in the fun run will be one of the toughest challenges he has faced.

Gavin will be monitored regularly for the next few years to make sure the cancer does not return. As if this is not enough he has also been diagnosed with prostate cancer, however it is at an early stage and may not require treatment for some time.

Gavin is no stranger to running. His father was a fine middle distance runner, and at an early stage Gavin followed in his footsteps. Since then, running has been an important part of his life, as an amateur club athlete and for the sheer pleasure of it. In 1988 he was selected to carry the Olympic torch at the Seoul Games. 

During his treatment Gavin used the services provided by Cancer Support Scotland and has now decided to run for the charity on 14^th July. Gavin said: “The side effects of the treatment were severe, but one thing that helped keep me going was the support of Cancer Support Scotland. Apart from tea and sympathy, they provided healing massage and Raiki treatments that alleviated the side effects of the radiation. In those dark days they were a beacon of light for which I will always be grateful”.

Cancer Support Scotland provides practical and emotional support for people affected by the disease, including family, friends and carers. This includes free of charge one-to-one complementary therapies, talking therapies and support groups.

On running the 5K Gavin said: “I decided to run it for a couple of reasons. One is that it is an opportunity for me to express my gratitude to Cancer Support Scotland by raising funds for them. And on a personal level, if I can complete the course it will be a milestone in my recovery. I’ll be nowhere near my personal best time for the distance, but just finishing will be a personal best in a sense. In its own way, this will be as memorable as carrying the Olympic flame”.

There is still time to join Team Cancer Support Scotland and join Gavin on 14^th July. Men and women of all ages and fitness can take part. You can run, jog or walk the route. You might have already entered and are looking for a charity to support. To join us and get your free fundraising pack filled with sponsor forms and fundraising ideas contact us on 0800 652 4531 or e-mail [email protected].