York golfers run 100k for 100 years of cancer breakthroughs content
Members of a renowned York golf club have completed a 100-kilometre run in one day to mark 100 years of life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire.
In the 100th year of Yorkshire Cancer Research, Captain of Fulford Golf Club Steve Hood and his son Stevie Jon Hood took on the challenge alongside professional golfer Guy Wills, raising £3,266 to help bring more cancer cures to the region.
Setting off at 4:00am, the trio ran through Heslington and completed 10 laps around the 18-hole course at Fulford Golf Club, finishing the 100-kilometre distance in under 16 hours.
For the final lap, they were joined and cheered on by supporters from the local community, including members of the Holgate Harriers running club and Sally Hicks, representing Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Quote from Steve Hood
I never thought that attempting 100km in one day would involve so much training, commitment and self-discipline. Without the team, friends and family cheering us on from start to finish, we would not have completed this significant challenge.
“This wasn't just a run, but a tribute to those we have lost, and to those affected by cancer, who were with me every step of the way. I made a promise to myself to complete this huge challenge to support Yorkshire Cancer Research and will continue to help the charity work towards a future without cancer.”
The running event was followed by a Yorkshire Cancer Research Charity Day on 21 May – the charity’s official birthday – where golfers from York and across the region, including a team from Yorkshire Cancer Research, competed in a friendly golf tournament to mark 100 years of cancer breakthroughs.
The Club also held its annual ‘Captain’s Day’ event on 7 June, with members raising additional funds for life-saving progress in cancer research. The Club has pledged to continue to support the charity’s work throughout the year.
Thanks to the pioneering researchers and committed supporters, the charity funds life-saving research and innovative cancer services, finding new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.
This includes the Yorkshire Stop Smoking Study, a research project funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research that Steve’s partner, Janine, worked on until the beginning of 2025. From 2018, Jan provided specialist stop smoking support to people in Leeds taking part in the pioneering lung cancer screening trial - the Leeds Lung Health Check - funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research and delivered in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Janine supported people who were at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, discussing with them the benefits of quitting smoking and the various stop smoking aids available to help them quit. In total, the Yorkshire Stop Smoking Study saw over 3,400 people receiving stop smoking support, with over 950 people reporting to have successfully quit.
Quote from Janine Brookes
It was a pleasure to be part of the Yorkshire Stop Smoking Study, working alongside the Leeds Lung Health Check team. I saw first-hand the difference Yorkshire Cancer Research makes to the lives of ordinary people. My role was funded by the donations of others, so I am pleased to have had the chance to give something back in the charity’s 100th year and help continue this valuable work.”
Dr Kathryn Scott, Chief Executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “For a century, Yorkshire Cancer Research has worked alongside researchers, cancer experts, and the people of Yorkshire to bring life-saving discoveries and advancements in cancer research to Yorkshire. The funds raised through the remarkable efforts of Steve, Stevie and Guy, and everyone who supported them at Fulford Golf Club, help the charity move ever closer to its vision: a Yorkshire free from cancer.”
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