Son of prostate cancer fight Leeds man 'overwhelmed' by support for fundraising challenge

Leeds Rhinos fan Adam Smith's father Dave, 70, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in October 2019 and is continuing to fight the disease.

Adam is set to tackle a 27.5km duathlon from Featherstone Lions rugby club to Headingley stadium on December 12 to raise cash for Prostate Cancer UK and MND Association, in honour of Rhinos legend Rob Burrow.

Adam, 25, of Whinmoor, will cycle 17km followed by a 10.5km run.

Adam said people have so far generously pledged around £1,800 via his JustGiving page.

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

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

Dave Smith, a retired factory worker at Unilever in Leeds, started regular chemotherapy treatment at St James's Hospital in January.

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

Adam said: "I'm just overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received from everybody. It's amazing how generous people have been."

Adam said Rhinos legend Kevin Sinfield has sent him a video message via Prostate Cancer UK, to wish him well with the duathlon.

Adam said: "He was saying that it is a fantastic thing I am doing and was giving me some advice, saying I am going to have to dig deep and keep smiling."

Adam said his training is going well and he is looking forward to the challenge.

Click here to donate Adam's JustGiving page.