Colin Evans, 95, and his dog Rusty are set to do 50 laps around their Gracewell of Sway care home in an attempt to raise £500 for Cancer Research UK.
Colin and his companion will also be donning festive dress for the challenge, with Colin in a Santa suit and Rusty dressing up as a reindeer. The duo will be completing the challenge over a five-day period, starting on 12th December and walking until 18th December, where it is expected that Colin will complete around 15,880 steps.
Colin decided to start the challenge on the birthday of his late wife, Jean. Cancer Research UK is also a charity which Colin has a personal connection to, having survived bowel cancer earlier in his life.
Recognising Colin’s ambitious challenge, Cancer Research UK have sent him a personal letter of thanks where they noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many cancer treatments and clinical trials to have be postponed or suspended.
Speaking of his fundraising challenge, Colin said: “During the pandemic, I have seen how charities have been hit hard, with thousands of fundraising events cancelled and vital research being stopped. As a cancer survivor, I want to do something to give back as, without vital charities like Cancer Research UK, I would not be here today living such a wonderful and joyful life.
“I am hoping to raise £500 as I am aware that every penny will help in the fight against cancer. I live in such a wonderful care home and I am looking forward to carrying out a Reindeer dash with my beloved furry friend, Rusty. He’ll be wearing his reindeer outfit and I will be in my Santa outfit walking around the stunning path of the home 50 times!
“I am commencing the dash on the birthday of my late wife, Jean, whom I was married to for 73 glorious years! 50 laps will be one of my biggest achievements yet, but I know with the support of my wonderful friends and staff who are my extended family I can do anything!”
Rachel Bedford, the General Manager at Gracewell of Sway, said: “The entire Gracewell of Sway care home will be cheering Colin on when he begins his remarkable challenge on 12th December. We hope that many agree with the pressing need to support Cancer Research UK and get behind Colin and his beloved Rusty to help make a real difference in our fight against cancer.”
To support Colin and help him reach his £500 target, please visit:https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/colins-and-rusty-the-reindeer-doggy-dash
