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A YOUNG cancer survivor who raised thousands of pounds for charity has been nominated for the Great North Run Hall of Fame Award.
Michael Ready, of Lobley Hill, Gateshead, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year and faced a gruelling regime of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to save his life.
But, determined to help others in similar situations, the 20-year-old threw himself into raising as much money as possible for the Charlie Bear Cancer Care charity.
Michael, who was a promising football player with Whickham under-21s before he became ill, launched a fundraising campaign with his parents Lynn and Michael, both 43, and sister Laura, 17, raising more than £11,000 in just one year.
The money raised helped pay for equipment to make life more enjoyable for young people as they undergo cancer treatment.
Along with his supporters Michael, who has just started a new job at a safety glass firm, will celebrate his fight back to health by completing this year’s Great North Run.
Michael’s mother Lynn, a financial PA, said: “Michael’s been through hell in the past year. He’s happy to be alive. The Great North Run has been a goal for him and his training is helping to raise his fitness levels again.
“He’s really very humble but I know winning this award would be a real boost for him.”
Angie Taylor, from the Charlie Bear Cancer Care, at the Northern Centre For Cancer Care, at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital, said: “Michael is a splendid young man who has the ability to reach out to people of all ages..”
This year’s Bupa Great North Run will follow the Great North 10K, which will see thousands of competitors take part in the race in Gateshead on July 17.
The Bupa Great North Run Award, in association with The Journal, will be presented at the Great North Run Hall of Fame Charity Dinner next month.
To support Michael’s fundraising of for more information on Charlie Bear Cancer Care, visit www.charliebearforcancercare.org.uk or call 0191 2138615.
:: Click here to nominate a runner you think should be entered into the Hall of Fame