“Fantastic event” “A very friendly atmosphere” “Would do it again” – just three of the comments from runners taking part in our first ever Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation running event – Delamere Dash.

Emma Benson was one of 500 runners to join us for our inaugural running event in September. She shares why she took part and how she can’t wait to sign up for the next run…

“I signed up for Delamere Dash with my husband, Martin, my brother, Ste, and my mum’s friend, Hazel after my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in May.

We wanted to do something positive in what was otherwise a pretty frightening time and to raise money to support others in Dad’s situation.

“Hazel and Ste are both regular runners and Martin has done a couple, but this was my first ever run. I was really nervous, especially when I began training and realised it wasn’t going to be as easy as I initially thought!

“When race day came, the nerves were still there but I was really excited as well. There was a great atmosphere and, when I saw the other runners, it just felt like we were all in it together. We were there to raise money for a great cause and just have fund and do our best.

“The event was really well organised, and I loved the warm up we all did together before the race began. There were lots of wonderful volunteers helping, including my dad and his friend, Barrie, and their support was exactly what I needed to keep me going.

“The highlight of the day had to be crossing that finish line. Martin and Hazel did the 5k event with me (Ste did the 10k) and they stayed with me all the way round. It was such a feeling to know we had done it and done it together.

“I would definitely sign up for another event organised by Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation because it was so well organised, and I really enjoyed it. The goody bag was a great reward for our hard work, and I will treasure the medal and T-shirt forever

“Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is now very close to my heart and I’m so proud we could raise some money for them. Dad’s diagnosis came as a huge shock to us all; he had gone into hospital for gall stones and a routine scan revealed the tumour.

This is why screening is so important, and I know the charity is leading the charge to make it happen. I’m just glad we could help too.”