A TEAM of 77 family and friends will take on the Two Castles Run in memory of a much-missed cricketer from Kenilworth.
James Madley, chair and captain of Kenilworth Wardens, died aged 29 last summer shortly after being diagnosed with cancer.
What was thought to be just tiredness and heartburn just two months earlier, was found to be a fast-growing lump in James’ abdomen. He was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma called rhabdomyosarcoma – a type of soft tissue cancer which grows in muscles.
Doctors planned a course of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour but it grew so rapidly he passed away in July.
His wife Katie said: “During the whole period James was in hospital, despite everything, he remained optimistic, speaking often about future plans and what he would like to do once this tumour had gone.
“James wanted to spend more time with the people he loved and to play more cricket. If love was enough, James would still be here.”
James studied at King Henry VIII in Coventry and ran in the 10km race nearly every year since he was 17.
And this year wife Katie and 76 of his friends and family will be taking on the course on Sunday (June 9) in his memory and to raise money for Sarcoma UK, a charity looking to find a cure for the disease.
So far the team has received more than £13,000 in donations – but they are hoping people will continue to help their cause.
James’ dad Jon said: “The amount of support we have seen for this cause has been incredible, and it means a lot to the family that we can fundraise through the Two Castles run, which was a regular tradition for James, his best time was 43 minutes – so no pressure.
“By raising money for Sarcoma UK we can help to find an effective treatment for this awful disease. There’s still so much to be done in this area, so every penny raised by our huge team of runners will make a difference.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamesmadley to donate or find out more.
* As ever there will be rolling road closures during the race. Diversions will also be set up to keep disruption minimal for motorists.
