In memory of their late uncle, Robert Carson, and as part of a multi-generational fundraising drive, cousins Kate Richmond, Amy Hepworth and Kerry Hepworth are running marathons to raise money for Prostate Cancer Research.
Kate will be running the London Marathon on Sunday, April 21, whilst Amy and Kerry are running the Belfast Marathon on Sunday, May 5, accompanied by two relay teams of extended family members.
The family are raising money for two organisations: Prostate Cancer UK, and the Prostate Cancer Research team at Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation, led by Professor Joe O’Sullivan, who was a huge support to Robert in his final years.
Robert, son of the late John and Florence Carson, from Inishmore, Lisbellaw, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2019, and sadly passed away on April 30, 2023, at the age of 65.
He was a well-known dairy and beef farmer in the local area, and for him, family and friends were of utmost importance.
Robert was a much-loved brother, uncle and a friend to many. He had 10 nieces and three nephews, who all adored him, as he provided them with a listening ear, lots of laughs and many happy childhood memories on the farm.
Following Robert’s diagnosis in January, 2019, his brother-in-law, Richard Hepworth, was also diagnosed with prostate cancer, prompting the family to set about raising awareness and funds for research.
Thankfully, Richard’s treatment was successful, and he led a team of his daughters – Amy, Zoe and niece Melissa Moorhead – to the finish line of the London Big Half in 2020, with Robert cheering them on from the roadside.
Robert’s nieces have since continued their fundraising efforts: Melissa has completed the Swindon Half, Bath Half and the London Marathon; sisters Amy and Kerry Hepworth completed the Glasgow Half; and Amy walked 100km through the South Downs.
Over in Australia, niece Leesa McCormick completed a Swimathon challenge alongside various other fundraising events.
The family attribute the success of these fundraising efforts to the generous donations from their relatives, friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
The collective efforts of these activities have raised more than £20,000 for various cancer research charities – an amount which the family hope will continue to grow in future years.
The latest marathon challenges in memory of Robert will occur close to the first anniversary of his passing, and the family felt it was important to take on this challenge together, with a few laughs along the way.
Team captains Valerie Hepworth (sister) and Ewan Richmond (brother-in-law) will lead the two relay teams across the finish line; including family members Karen Chambers, Joanne Wilson, Kate Richmond, Melissa Moorhead, Ashley Robinson, Philip Wilson, Mark Chambers and Lucy Ferguson.
The family wish to express their gratitude to everyone who has supported them so far.
If you wish to donate to the Carson family’s latest fundraising quest, you can use the JustGiving website link at www.justgiving.com/team/carsons.
“We are deeply passionate about raising funds and awareness of prostate cancer, as we have seen first-hand the impact it can have,” their JustGiving page explains.
The extended family are encouraging all men to ask their GP to test for prostate cancer if experiencing the commonly noted symptoms, including frequent urinating often during the night, difficulty starting or stopping a urine stream, a weak flow, blood in their urine or semen, or pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
Further information regarding the symptoms of prostate cancer can be found at www.nhs.uk.
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