Update: A huge well done to the whole family for completing the Father’s Day challenge in memory of Luke, and thank you to everyone who donated. Together, you helped to raise over £2,000 for Cancer Research UK – a fantastic achievement that will make a real difference.
A special message from Alex:
Thank you to everyone who has generously supported us and for those who have read our story. You will see how much fun we had. It was so nice to see Mum and Dad actively run in memory of their son and my brother Luke. I know that he would have been especially proud of them and so proud of everyone else too. Luke continues to keep on inspiring us all. The atmosphere was full of excitement with over 500 people there to either participate or take part, fund raising for their charities. And for us too, raising funds for Luke’s Foundation.
A special thanks to Design by Sport and my dear friends Jude and Helen for hosting the event. We were really motivated to do this together, after all of the great events done by family and friends before us.There were some personal and physical challenges that we overcame to finish our respective 2K, 5K and 10k races. The never-ending hill at the end of the race was a particular beast to get up.However, Dad finished the 2K race with aplomb, in record time (the last one!!) with Lucy wizzing off in front, Kerry and Flo not too far behind. Matt and Anna cheered everyone on!They set the standard for the 5K run that was to soon follow. Incredibly, Mum completed her run with me and she was so inspiring; and didn’t stop once. Not even for wee!! I had the pleasure of being snapped with Mum as Darcy “eventually” caught us up as the 10K cohort were in hot pursuit of us.And then Kevin and Russ followed with a quick kiss (not between themselves, but me and Russ) as they took on the 10k course. Darcy’s beaming smile kept up their runner’s spirits high. She travelled down from Yorkshire especially to run with her Nan and Grandad.Russ plodded over the finish line (close to record breaking time) and was a bit dramatic as he lay next to the finish line but soon regained his composure.So, in summary, a wonderful day. Thank you Sharon, Sam and Amelia for your support and goody bags. The sugar definitely helped!!
On Father’s Day, Sunday 15th June 2025, members of Luke’s family will lace up their trainers and join the inaugural Langham Hall Estate Fun Run – taking part in memory of Luke and raising funds for vital cancer research in his name.
A much-missed father, Luke’s family saw it as the perfect opportunity to do something meaningful together. To move, to remember, and to fundraise in honour of the man who brought so much energy, warmth, and joy to their lives. Across the 2k, 5k, and 10k distances, three generations will be getting involved – some racing, some strolling through the wildflowers, and others keeping a keen eye on the BBQ and beer tents. It’s the kind of day Luke would have loved: family, fresh air, music and laughter.
On the day, Kerry, Lucy and Florence will be battling it out with Graham (Grandad) in the 2k, and in the 5k, Alex and Frances (Nanny) are taking a scenic route through the picturesque grounds of Langham Hall. Meanwhile, Russell, Darcy and Kevin will be taking on a 10k showdown.
Luke passed away two and a half years ago after living with an extremely rare form of cancer. His strength and positivity remain a guiding force, and this run is just one more way the family keeps his memory moving forward and honouring his wish to make a difference in the world. So far, the Family Race for Luke has raised over £1,400 towards a £3,000 goal for Cancer Research UK, with donations helping to fund research into rare cancers – which make up over 20% of all cancer cases.
Luke is never far from their thoughts – especially on days like this. Any contributions to the fundraising, however big or small, are gratefully received.
