Leeds Rhinos fan's run and cycle challenge for MND and cancer charity

Leeds Rhinos fan Adam Smith has completed a tough duathlon challenge to raise cash for two charities close to his heart.
By Mark Lavery
Published 14th Dec 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2020, 18:51 BST
Adam Smith pictured at Headingley stadium after his duathlon challenge with dad Dave.Adam Smith pictured at Headingley stadium after his duathlon challenge with dad Dave.
Adam Smith pictured at Headingley stadium after his duathlon challenge with dad Dave.

Adam, 25, of Whinmoor cycled and ran around 40k on Sunday (Dec 13) to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and the MND Association.

Adam's 70-year-old father Dave was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in October 2019 and is continuing to fight the disease.

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Adam, 25, of Whinmoor, said he and his father watched Leeds Rhinos at Headingley together and were devastated when former player Rob Burrow, 38, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in December.

Adam cycled and ran from Featherstone Lions rugby club to Headingley stadium in just over two hours.

His efforts have so far raised around £3,500, to be shared between Prostate Cancer UK and the MND Association.

Adam said: "It was a great experience and the fact that it was for two great charities kept me going.

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"It was definitely challenging and emotional to say the least but it has been truly worth it."

Adam, a former Boston Spa High School student, said his favourite teacher Joanne Cooper is also fighting MND.

Adam's father Dave, a retired factory worker at Unilever in Leeds, had started regular chemotherapy treatment at St James’s Hospital in January. But the chemotherapy treatment was later cancelled due to coronavirus.

Father-of-four Dave Smith, who is also a grandfather, has completed 37 sessions of radiotherapy treatment.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/team/fev2headingley

Related topics:MNDLeeds RhinosRob BurrowProstate Cancer UKHeadingley

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