The Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run were created in honour of Gareth Dunn, a sportsman who trained for the Paralympics in Golden Acre Park before he died in October 2018 of secondary cancer of the lungs. It was in the same park that fundraisers lined up for the 2023 edition of the event on Sunday.
Before his death, Gareth had raised £120,000 for Cancer Research UK to help fund research. His family and friends have organised the run each year since using the same route Gareth would take and have continued to raise money for the cause in his name.
This year’s run, sponsored by local businesses including Bannatynes and Ivory Dental in Horsforth, has raised around £12,000. It takes the total raised in Gareth’s name to £200,000. Lee Dunn, Gareth’s father, said: “I am sure he would be happy that we have taken on his mantle, run with it and hit this impressive milestone.”
Lee also expressed his gratitude towards everyone who helped organise the event – including Gareth’s mum, April; brother, Rhys, and friend David Smart. He added: “Without their efforts this community-based event just wouldn’t happen. It takes a lot of organisation and planning to coordinate a 10k run, particularly around one of north Leeds favourite parks, and I know Gareth would be proud of all their hard work and persistence.
“I was particularly heartened to hear the Prince of Wales, during the Coronation, refer to the strength, diversity and character of communities up and down the UK, and I feel the Cookridge Community runs epitomise that ethos.”
Find out more on the Community Cookridge 10k and Fun Run website.
1. Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run
The annual Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run took place on May 8 with more than 500 runners getting involved. Photo: Matt Roberts
2. Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run
Around 120 children – many in fancy dress – ran the one-mile fun run with their parents at Golden Acre Park. This was started by CBeebies and Strictly Come Dancing Star, George Webster, who then ran the 10k. Photo: Matt Roberts
3. Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run
The Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run has been an annual event for four years now and was created by the family of Gareth Dunn, a runner who was training for the Paralympics before he died of secondary lung cancer in 2018. This year the run has raised around £12,000 for Cancer Research UK. Photo: Matt Roberts
4. Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run 2023
Despite the overnight rain, people enjoyed the run through Golden Acre Park, which follows the route that Gareth Dunn would take while training. Photo: Matt Roberts
5. Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run 2023
Gareth Dunn had raised more than £120,000 before his death. With the contributions made this year through the run, the amount raised is expected to exceed £200,000. Photo: Matt Roberts
6. Cookridge Community 10k and Fun Run 2023
One runner, Jackie Aspden, who is taking part in the Cookridge Community 10k for the first time, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all concerned for staging this absolute gem of a race. I've run in many races all over the country and this one has to be the best. Lovely scenery, super friendly, butter smooth organisation and an amazing goody bag and the best race T-shirt ever.” Photo: Matt Roberts