This article was published on September 13, 2013 and information contained within may now be out of date.
An inspirational man from Spilsby is taking on the Great North Run on Sunday after fighting and surviving bowel cancer.
Steve Ridding, 59, will be raising for the Bobby Moore Fund after he fought the illness, gaining the all clear in December 2012.
As a keen runner, Steve has been taking part in the GNR since 2005 but has had a few years off during his treatments, raising for different charities every other year.
Since beating the illness, Steve is now passionate about raising funds for a charity he holds close to his heart.
“At first I ignored the symptoms and my wife [Mandy] was nagging me to go and get checked and I wouldn’t have done anything about it,” said Steve.
“I would urge all to get checked as soon as they can as it is better if it is caught early,” he added.
The father of one, had chemotherapy and radiotherapy, plus surgery to remove the tumour.
“You have to remain positive through treatment, as there are some dark days. It’s not easy being diagnosed with cancer,” Steve explained.
Steve has chosen the Bobby Moore Fund as not only is he a football fan but Bobby suffered with the illness himself.
“It was too late for Bobby as he did not catch it in time but you have to remain positive at all times,” said Steve.
The self-employed builder, will be running the 13.1 mile race on Sunday (September 15) in the North of England.
Steve says he has raised about £400 up to now but it hoping he can reach his goal of £1,000.
“That would be great for I could raise that amount, I’ve raised for other charities such as the heart foundation and others over the years,” he said.
Steve wishes to thank all who have helped him so far and anyone wishing to still donate can do so by visiting his sponsorship page.
