A man who was told he may have just two years left to live after being diagnosed has completed a year-long challenge that has seen him run 5k every day to raise money for charity.
Tony Collier, 65 from Altrincham, received the news of his cancer diagnosis back in 2017 whilst training for one of the world's toughest ultramarathons. After visiting a healthcare professional believing he had nothing more than a groin strain, he received the shocking news that he had advanced stage prostate cancer.
Despite his challenging diagnosis and the side effects of his on-going treatment, Tony set himself the challenge to run at least 5k every day in 2022 to raise money
for MOVE Charity – whose mission is to support and inspire people to Move Against Cancer. MOVE Charity has several key areas of work, including The 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer initiative which takes place monthly at 87 parkrun events across the country.
Tony, who is a The North West Regional Champion for 5k Your Way and a regular volunteer and participant at Wilmslow parkrun credits the role of exercise for both prolonging his life whilst also supporting his mental health.
Tony has racked up over 1,300 miles and has faced a number of challenges along the way, including the impact of fatigue from his cancer treatment and the British weather – running in everything from summer heatwave temperatures of 35 °C, to ice, snow and lows of -10°C.
Tony, who is also I'm a coach at Styal Running Club said: "The challenge hasn't been easy but we know exercise is so, so important for people with cancer. Some days I've really not felt like running but I've managed to get out there and get it done. The recent cold weather has been particularly tricky, but I've still managed to complete my runs in shorts!"
Tony's completed his final 5k today (3rd January), where he was accompanied by friends and family to tick off his final miles. He also encouraged as many people from around the world to move their way, be it by running, walking the dog or something else and to post their efforts on social media using the hashtag #MoveWithTony.
Tony has raised over over £18,000, including gift aid, to date and his fundraising page will remain open until 31st January 2023. To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/5k365days
