'Inspirational' Derbyshire man runs 5km every day to support family's cancer battle

An ‘inspirational’ Derbyshire man who admits he is ‘not built for running’ is taking on a 5km challenge every day to support a family's cancer battle.
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Charles Cone, from Grindleford, Hope Valley, has already completed 85 miles during January for the Run the Month Challenge to raise cash for Prostate Cancer UK.

Charles, 31, says he has ‘never run before apart from on the rugby pitch’ but has already lost a staggering six-stone.

Charles Cone, with Crystal Buchanan, is running 5km every day to support a family battling cancer.Charles Cone, with Crystal Buchanan, is running 5km every day to support a family battling cancer.
Charles Cone, with Crystal Buchanan, is running 5km every day to support a family battling cancer.
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He is pushing himself to his limits to support his best friend’s dad, 70-year-old Stan Buchanan, who is battling prostate cancer and currently having chemotherapy.

Charles is part of ‘Team Grandpa’, made up of best mate Jonathan Buchanan, 36, who lives in Calver, and his family.

Jonathan’s wife Crystal, 35, said: “All of us are running as much as we can but Charles has just taken it to another level.

“Altogether Team Grandpa has currently raised £4,800 but this is set to reach well over £5,000 as people have pledged to donate even more to keep Charles running.

Charles Cone is supporting a close friend's family battling cancer.Charles Cone is supporting a close friend's family battling cancer.
Charles Cone is supporting a close friend's family battling cancer.
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"Charles has raised probably £4,000 of this amount. Because of Covid and lockdowns, Charles had not seen a lot of his friends and family and everyone was shocked to see his weight transformation when he started posting pictures about his runs.

"His family also own the Barrel Inn, at Bretton, which is a very popular pub in Derbyshire so he is very well-known.”

Charles is a keen rugby player, previously turning out for Sheffield Tigers and Abbeydale, and currently playing for Bakewell Manerians.

Stan Buchanan, who is battling prostate cancer and currently having chemotherapy.Stan Buchanan, who is battling prostate cancer and currently having chemotherapy.
Stan Buchanan, who is battling prostate cancer and currently having chemotherapy.

“He is the kindest man we know,” Crystal added.

"He is an inspiration to all of us and everyone who knows him loves him.”

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Charles is now planning to run his first ever half-marathon on Sunday.

"His legs are tired but he is determined to do it and we are so proud of him,” Crystal added.

Other members of the team include Mandy Buchanan, Stan’s wife; Lucy and Matt Clapsion, Stan’s step-daughter and her husband and Hannah and Oliver Watkins, Stan’s step-son and his wife.

For more information and to make a donation, visit the Team Grandpa fundraising page.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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