Fundraising run in Darlington honours dad told he has weeks to live

Hundreds gathered at South Park for a fundraising run in honour of Gary Read, a well-known Darlington runner diagnosed with colorectal cancer and told he had weeks to live; organisers reported nearly £19,000 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Hundreds of people turned out at South Park in Darlington for a fundraising run held in honour of Gary Read, a familiar face in the local running community. Despite poor weather, runners, walkers and joggers arrived from across the region and the park area was crowded well before the start. Organisers reported that the event had raised nearly £19,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support at the time of reporting. Gary was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in June and was told on New Year’s Eve that he had weeks to live. Key facts: - The run was held at South Park in Darlington and drew participants from across the region. - Organisers reported nearly £19,000 raised for Macmillan Cancer Support. - Gary Read, 44, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in June and was recently told he had weeks to live. - The event included a minute’s applause and speeches from friends and organisers, and the money will support the family with Macmillan’s involvement. Summary: The run brought hundreds together and produced a substantial fundraising result for Macmillan, reflecting broad community support for Gary and his family. Undetermined at this time.