A MARATHON runner who has been diagnosed with cancer has been nominated for the York Community Pride Awards for his ‘wonderful charity work’.

Sean Coxhead, 37, from Holgate, York, was diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer in May last year, which has now spread to his spine. He is currently receiving palliative treatment with the goal of extending his life however, that has not stopped his generous attitude and he has been put forward for the Charity Fundraiser of the Year award by friends Gemma Wood and Holly Hennell for his dedication to raising money for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Gemma said: “Prior to his diagnosis, Sean was a keen runner and had completed several 10km races, two half-marathons and a marathon. In 2018 he had planned to run 1,000 miles over the course of the year, including the Yorkshire Marathon. Whilst the cancer prevented him from reaching this goal, he is determined to continue to be involved with running and is using this, coupled with his love of photography, as a basis for much of his fundraising.

“Since his diagnosis, Macmillan Cancer Support have provided support to both him and his family and he wanted to be able to give something back to them so set himself a target of raising £1,000. Due to his wonderful charity work, he has already raised over £12,000.

“Sean has done several fundraisers including raising money at the SeeYorkRunYork Chocolate 10km by taking photos of the event and also had collection buckets out along the route. In September, he was asked to run the lap of honour for the Cancer Research Relay for Life, a run for cancer survivors.

“In June, he is also working with Energi Trampoline Park who will be hosting a World Record Breaker with proceeds going to Macmillan.”

On hearing about his nomination for the award, which is sponsored by Pryers Solicitors, Sean said: “It’s amazing to be nominated. I believe if everyone can just set aside a small amount of time so much good work can be done and funds raised for needy charities.”

The York Community Pride Awards are run by The Press and City of York Council, and the principal sponsor is Benenden Health.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area.

You can make a nomination online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride or post to York Community Pride Awards, The Press 84-86 Walmgate York Y01 9YN. Entries must be submitted by July 26.

Nominations must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each entry and should include a photo, which unfortunately we will be able to return.