Brothers to run in memory of father

Dean and Mark Smith will be running the marathons to raise cash for two cancer charities after dad Cyril died from kidney cancer last year.

The sporty duo hope to raise £2,000 for two charities – Macmillan Cancer Support and Ripley Hospital’s Butterley Ward.

Dean, 41, said the family had received an enormous amount of support in Cyril’s final days.

He said: “During his battle with cancer Dad, and the rest of the family received exceptional support from Macmillan and from the Butterley Ward who cared for Dad and gave support to us all in the last days before he passed away.”

To raise the cash, Dean and Mark, 43, will run three marathons– Edinburgh on May 31, Tenby in Wales on July 5, and York on October 11.

Dean said each place or date had fond memories for them as a family.

He said: “Edinburgh is where Dad ran his last marathon with us, the marathon in Tenby is being held on his birthday, and York is somewhere he loved to visit.

“Dad was well known in the local area particularly to anyone involved in the local football having played in the Derby City, Alfreton Sunday, Central Midlands leagues to name a few in a career that lasted well in to his 50s.

“He was very active himself and we believe he would definitely approve of our marathon bids.”

In addition to the marathons, the pair are also hosting a charity day at the Ripley Co-operative on Saturday, April 25. The event, from 8am, will see Dean and Mark running on in-store treadmills in a bid to boost funds.

To make a donation visit: www.cyrilsmithfund.co.uk.