Son’s run tribute to brave dad Steve, 62
A son ran with his brave dad battling cancer to the finish line of an incredible 150-mile charity challenge.
Cameron Snow, from Troon, took on a month of runs in March to raise vital funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity.
The charity looked after his dad, Steve, while he fought throat cancer.
The 26-year-old former Marr College pupil, who now works for a schools’ software firm in Glasgow, smashed his own personal goal with a few days to spare. And he was joined by his hero dad, who is still recovering from treatment, for the final stretch at Glasgow Green on Sunday, March 27.
Cameron said: “My dad brought a ribbon to run across at the end. He joined in for the last 20 yards as I think he wanted a bit of the limelight.
“He was really chuffed in the end, it was a nice moment for us to share.”
Cameron has raised more than £3000 for the Beatson, a specialist Scots cancer care centre and hospital.
Along the way he was helped by his Troon pals, Euan Henderson, Blair Morton and Stuart Russell, as he took strides along the town promenade to reach his goal.
Steve, 62, was diagnosed with throat cancer last August after noticing a small lump on his neck. The former British Airways worker was put through rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink the cancer. But after the treatment Steve deteroiated and was admitted to
the Beatson.
Cameron said: “My dad just lost so much weight over a short period of time, he lost about two stone in two or three weeks. He couldn’t eat and needed a food tube in for a bit.
“He was really fatigued and not sleeping, he had to go into the Beatson for a couple of weeks.
“The care there was first class, they just went above and beyond for him. It’s not a place anyone wants to be but it never felt like a hospital. It was a nice environment.
“Knowing how they care for people really pushed me to keep running.”
He added: “I certainly underestimated cancer, I just thought it’s my dad and he’ll be fine in a couple of months.
“He would always keep himself fit, he was a keen runner and would be going to spin classes or out walking the dog.
“It wasn’t nice to see how much cancer changed him, I never realised how much it would take it out of him.
Cameron hopes sharing his dad’s story will help raise awareness for people to
get themselves checked if they think something isn’t right.
He added: “It is so important to get something you are worried about checked by your doctor. Thankfully, my dad had an early diagnosis that meant the treatment could start fairly quickly.
“It’s been inspirational for me to see how he’s fought. He kept a smile on his face and kept his spirits up and he’s breaking the jokes once again.
“That’s what motivated me to do this challenge. I’m really proud of him.”