Deputy Mayor joins Run Bournemouth for cancer cause

Runners will line up along Bournemouth seafront this weekend for the annual Run Bournemouth festival – and among them will be Deputy Mayor Councillor George Farquhar, who is once again taking part in support of the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Councillor Farquhar will run the half marathon for the second year in a row to raise funds for Dorset families living with cancer. “Last year was my first half marathon and I enjoyed it so much I signed up again,” he said. “I’ve recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure and a slight heart fibrillation, but this is nothing compared to what people face after a cancer diagnosis.”

He will be joined in the half marathon by fellow DCCF supporters Katy Beel, Taylor Bangezhano, and Emily James, while Chris Speers, Nuno Almeida and Samantha Bumford will take on the Supersonic 10K.

The DCCF provides financial help to local people struggling with costs such as travel, accommodation and household bills during cancer treatment.

Bournemouth University student Taylor Bangezhano said the cause is close to his heart. He aims to complete the half marathon in under one hour and thirty minutes, adding that cancer has affected both his family and friends.

The Run Bournemouth events begin at Hengistbury Head and finish at Bournemouth Pier, with the 10K starting at 9am and the half marathon at 11am.

Cllr Farquhar said the DCCF team had met at the Town Hall to prepare and encourage one another. “We’ll all be doing our very best to raise money and awareness for the DCCF,” he said. “Every donation helps cancer patients here in Dorset.”

For more about the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation visit dccf.co.uk.