Bradford grandfather runs 268-mile ultramarathon for life-saving cancer research in memory of wife

A 63-year-old grandfather-of-three from Bingley has completed a 268-mile ultramarathon, raising over £4,700 for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire.

Dave Stephenson took on the Montane Winter Spine Race, widely known as ‘Britain’s Most Brutal’ endurance challenge, in memory of his wife, Angie, who sadly passed away from blood cancer in 2018. 

Dave said: “Angie and I were together for 34 years. When she was first diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2016, it completely came out of the blue. Even though it was a shock, Angie stayed positive throughout it all for our children.”

Following chemotherapy treatment, Angie received a stem cell transplant, which she was initially told had been successful. Unfortunately, her cancer then returned.

Before Angie died, the family discovered how Yorkshire Cancer Research helps bring new cancer cures to Yorkshire so more people can live longer, healthier lives, free of cancer. 

Every 15 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer, and sadly, people in the region are more likely to have their lives cut short by cancer than almost anywhere else in England. Thanks to supporters, Yorkshire Cancer Research funds £75 million of vital cancer research and services to help prevent, detect, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire.

In addition to wanting to raise funds for vital cancer research in Yorkshire, Dave was keen to physically push himself and add the Montane Winter Spine Race to his long bucket list of extreme running events. He has previously completed the 50-mile Stanza Stones Ultra and tackled the Yorkshire Three Peaks 23 times in his life.  

In the Montane Winter Spine Race, participants are tasked with hiking along the Pennine Way from Derbyshire to Scotland in seven days. Competitors typically face severe weather conditions such as snow, sub-zero temperatures and gale-force winds, all during long periods of darkness. 

Dave said: “I had been preparing for this immense challenge for the last two years, dedicating myself to building the physical and mental fortitude required to cover such an iconic route. I love the battle against yourself and the elements, and I’m privileged to still be able to compete in events like this. Not everyone at my age can, but I'll continue to take on new adventures until my body tells me otherwise.”

He continued: “A joyous highlight for me was on the second to last night when we reached Hadrian’s Wall. It was –8 degrees and there was not a breath of wind; everything was coated in frost and twinkly in the light of our head torches. We were then treated to a stunning sunrise. In that moment, everything felt worth it.” 

Dave’s local community at the Bingley Harriers & Athletics Club came together to raise £4,735, exceeding his fundraising target. The local running group is the same one Olympic champions Alistair and Jonathon Brownlee attended when they were younger.

Dave said: “I remember when the Brownlee Brothers first joined the club, taking part in races with us before going onto to be the triathlon stars they are today. The brothers, and everyone at the Bingley Harriers, have been a big influence in my life. It’s such a friendly and welcoming space, and I’m grateful for all their donations.”

Dave also credits the tireless support of his family. He and Angie had three children together, and Dave feels lucky to have witnessed two of their weddings along with the birth of three grandchildren.

Dave concluded: "At certain points on the race, I was able to videocall my grandchildren. They’d all be waving and dancing around, shouting ‘Good luck Grandad!’ My eldest grandson, Otto, even made me a certificate and medal."

Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Thanks to the dedication and generosity of charity supporters, Yorkshire Cancer Research funds life-saving cancer research and innovative new services in Yorkshire. The huge challenges people across Yorkshire take on to support the work of the charity are amazing to see, and the charity is grateful to Dave for the commitment he’s shown in memory of his wife. The money raised by Dave will help bring new cancer breakthroughs and talented experts to our region, so more people can live longer healthier lives, free of cancer."