A 75-year-old grandfather from Cramlington who is currently undergoing cancer treatment is preparing to run a 5K race to raise money for a baby hospice. Kit Tapscott, a retired health professional, will take part in the Ali Brownlee 5K in Middlesbrough this August.
Inspired by a Friendship
Kit was motivated to take on the challenge after meeting Jeni Brownlee, sister of the late sports broadcaster Alastair Brownlee, known as the 'Voice of the Boro'. The two became friends through Kit's membership in the outdoor swimming club H2O Trails.
From Diagnosis to Determination
Alastair was a dedicated supporter of Zoe's Place Baby Hospice. After being diagnosed with metastatic cancer, Kit decided to channel his energy into fundraising. Despite never having been a runner before, he is now following the NHS Couch to 5K program to get ready for the race.
The 5K is just the beginning of Kit's fundraising efforts. He plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro next year. In his spare time, he volunteers at the shop in Cramlington's Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital and works in cafés. He also participates in an NHS creative writing group and hopes to publish a book of poems titled 'Poems of Love and Eternity' to raise additional funds for the charity.
A Heartfelt Visit
Kit recently visited the Middlesbrough hospice and was deeply moved. "The work that the team there does with both the little ones and their families is too wonderful to adequately describe," he said.
Community Support
Rachael Bareham, senior events and community fundraiser at Zoe's Place Hospice, praised Kit: "We are honoured that Kit has chosen to raise funds for our charity at this year's Ali Brownlee 5K. He is truly remarkable and a real inspiration to others."
Steve Cram, race runs director for Middlesbrough Runs, added: "Kit's story is one of those that remind us why we organise events like the Middlesbrough Runs. Kit is a genuine inspiration to us and to many others and we're so pleased that he's chosen to join us on 30 August."
The Ali Brownlee 5K will take place on the morning of Sunday, August 30, marking the 10th anniversary of Alastair's passing. Donations to Kit's fundraiser can be made via his JustGiving page.
