Charity

National house builder supports incredible Hampshire cancer survivor who’s running 355 miles for charity

- 24 Jan 20

Bovis Homes has given a well-deserved boost to bowel cancer survivor, Darren Jones, based in Waterlooville, Hampshire, who will this year run eight ‘Ultra’ events across the country to raise money for charity.

In the space of six months, between April to September, Darren will complete eight events; five of which are 50km runs and three of which are 100km runs.

Darren has so far raised more than £1,700 for Bowel Cancer UK and Bovis Homes – part of the newly-formed Vistry Group – has donated £250 to the cause.

While Darren was diagnosed with bowel cancer three years ago, his father is recovering from throat cancer and his grandfather recently had skin cancer, so the cause is truly at the heart of Darren’s motivation.

Speaking about the epic challenge, he said: “I am running 355 miles across eight ‘Ultra’ events for Bowel Cancer UK because I want to make a difference and save lives.

“As a bowel cancer survivor of three years since diagnosis, I have come to understand that this cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. But it shouldn't be, it is treatable and curable - especially if diagnosed early.

“I have always enjoyed running and after training for, and completing, The Great South Run last year, I decided to pull together an extraordinary challenge in support of Bowel Cancer UK.”

Bowel Cancer UK is the nation’s leading bowel cancer charity. It is determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. Its vision is a future where nobody dies of the disease, but funds are required to enable the charity to continue to target research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

The events that Darren will take part in are located across England, including the Cotswolds and the Jurassic Coast to London and the Isle of Wight.

An ‘Ultra’ event consists of a run over a distance greater than the marathon length of 42km or 26.2miles. If you would like show your support to Darren, visit his JustGiving page.

For information about Bovis Homes’ locations in Hampshire, visit www.bovishomes.co.uk.