WHEN Kirk Briddon lost his brother Tyrone to cancer he decided he had to do something to thank the charity that had supported the whole family through their darkest hour.
That’s why the Waterthorpe father of two is completing a fundraising 5k run every day throughout the whole of January.
And already his efforts have raised more than £500 for St Luke’s, where Tyrone spent his final days.
“This was the most heartbreaking time of my life but made ever so slightly easier by the fantastic care provided by St Luke’s,” said Kirk.
“I don’t think there was a day from January to March last year that we were not at St Luke’s.
“It’s one of those places you hope you won’t have to go to but when you do you are overwhelmed by the level of care.
“It wasn’t just about my brother - the support for the whole family went above and beyond anything we could have expected and that’s why I knew I wanted to help.
“The after care and counselling provided to me personally to help me through some pretty tough times is just one of the things they do at St Luke’s - and it’s why I just want to give back if I can.”
Kirk and Tyrone did complete the Sheffield 10k two years ago - shortly after Tyrone’s cancer diagnosis.
Now Kirk has thrown himself back into the demanding regime of a daily run - despite the problems caused recently by a broken toe!
“The injury did mean I wasn’t able to do anything for a while but the motivation to get out and run is so strong,” Kirk said.
“I’m feeling so good running every day and there hasn’t been a day that I haven’t looked forward to it.
“I’m getting quicker every day and it really helps knowing that I am doing something for St Luke’s.”
To support Kirk’s January running challenge simply visit Kirk Briddon