Rushden 'Darth' dad runs marathon through pain to honour dad with prostate cancer

Grant Norman dressed up as Darth Vader to encourage more donations for his cause
Grant and Henry dressed for the final runGrant and Henry dressed for the final run
Grant and Henry dressed for the final run

A dad-of-three from Rushden has completed his month-long daily fundraising for charity after his dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

47-year-old Grant Norman took up a 26-mile challenge despite suffering with knee problems and a hatred for running - and the cold weather.

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The IT specialist took to the street every day, knowing that his fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK would help men like his father Trevor Norman.

Grant said: "My dad was diagnosed during lockdown one with prostate cancer and I wanted to raise £1,000 to show my support.

"I took on the Run The Month marathon challenge in January.

"I am unfit and I hadn't run for exercise in over 30 years since I was at school and doing a mile was a significant distance for me.

"I much rather going by bike or using the car.

Grant ready for his runGrant ready for his run
Grant ready for his run

"I had to do it and I couldn't give up and let anyone down even though my knees felt bad and I had to carry on through the pain.

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"The term 'fun run' doesn't describe the challenge, as I've not had fun doing it.

"When I felt I couldn't do it, I thought about my dad going through his treatment and I kept on going."

Grant's dad Trevor successfully finished his treatment of ten sessions of radiotherapy last year and heard this week that he had been given the all-clear.

Trevor said: "Well done son, very proud of you and many thanks for your efforts. It is because people like you that I was able to receive the treatment that I did."

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Surpassing his target, Grant's total has been boosted by donations from friends, family and colleagues and his fundraising page has now topped £1,028.

For his final run of the month Grant was challenged to run dressed as Darth Vader and was joined by his youngest son Henry, nine.

His knees had been giving him trouble for the whole month and he had to strap them to enable him to carry on.

Grant said: "I think I put a smile on people's faces as I ran trying to avoid the bins and cars on the pavement.

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"My visor steamed up towards the end so my son had to guide me home.

"I hate running and find it really boring. I don't know how marathon runners do it but I admire them for doing it, but it's not for me.

"My fitness levels have improved and I think I might get a bike and do a cycling challenge in the future, maybe. I'm not missing the running."

Grant is encouraging men to take up any screening offered, and added: "Early detection can help. If you have symptoms get checked out.

"The earlier you are checked out the better."

To donate to Grant's Just Giving page click here.