Footballing legend joins forces with bowel cancer survivor

Footballing legend Mark Lawrenson has joined forces with a cancer survivor to urge the men of Merseyside to sign-up for the first ever Run for Moore event.

All money raised by the 1000 men expected to take part in the 5km event on Sunday June 18 will go towards the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK which funds research into bowel cancer.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Bobby Moore leading the England football team to World Cup Victory.

Bobby Moore died from bowel cancer aged 51 in 1993.

Former professional rugby player Gary Sanderson was aged 36 in May 2003 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The super-fit dad-of-two had been due to undergo a routine operation for piles when doctors discovered the cancerous tumour in his back passage.

Gary, who played for Warrington Rugby League Club for 10 years and lives in St Helen’s, was devastated following the diagnosis, but was determined to remain positive for his two daughters and wife Jeanie.

He underwent an operation to remove the tumour and was fitted with a temporary colostomy bag.

Gary, who is now aged 39 and works as a warehouse operative, also faced six months of chemotherapy treatment.

As his mother survived breast cancer and his aunt died from skin cancer, Gary is especially keen to raise awareness about the disease.

Gary, who is a Liverpool FC fan, will be guest of honour at the Aintree Run for Moore event and has been invited to set the runners off in celebration of notching-up three years of being clear from cancer.

Gary, who has daughters Rebecca aged 13 and 10-year-old Sarah, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that I’ll be taking part in a running event which specifically raises money for research into bowel cancer.

“I must admit that when I was told I had bowel cancer I did think it was game over and was even planning my own funeral in my mind, but you just have to remain positive and have faith in the experts.

“I was fortunate to be diagnosed relatively early and to be still be here today enjoying life with my family, but not everyone is as lucky.

“The work of the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK is absolutely vital for research into bowel cancer and I would urge every man in Merseyside to think about signing-up to take part in the Run for Moore event.”

Former Liverpool FC defender and TV football pundit Mark Lawrenson is keen to raise awareness of cancer as he lost his 32-year-old sister, Lisa Gore, to a brain tumour.

He said: “Taking part in the Run for Moore event at Aintree will be a fantastic opportunity for men to get fit at the same time as raising money for an important cause.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer in some way by losing a friend or family member.

“The fact that all the money from the Run for Moore will go towards research into bowel cancer is tremendous.

“With World Cup fever gripping the country, I am sure that plenty of men from Merseyside will want to join in the fun and raise money in Bobby Moore’s memory.”

Run for Moore organiser, Paula Jones, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Gary Sanderson will be setting the runners off at the Aintree Run for Moore as he is such an inspirational individual.

“We’re also thrilled that Mark Lawrenson has thrown his weight behind promoting the event as he is such an important part of Liverpool’s sporting heritage.

“We hope plenty of football fans will want to support such an exciting fundraising event.”

Cancer Research UK and Bobby’s wife Stephanie set-up the Bobby Moore Fund to raise money for bowel cancer research in 1993.

The Run for Moore series of events aims to raise over £500,000 this summer to help tackle bowel cancer.

Run for Moore will take place around the Aintree race-course at 3pm on Sunday June 18.

Men can choose to walk or run the course.

Despite the fact that around eight out of ten people can be successfully treated if bowel cancer is found early, it is the most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer, with 45 people dying from the disease every day in the UK.

Anyone experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits or a pain or lump in their stomach should visit their doctor as soon as possible. Although it is unlikely to be cancer, it is better to be sure.

To find out more about Run for Moore or to sign-up for the event visit www.runformoore.org.

ENDS

All press enquiries should be directed to Cancer Research UK Regional Press Officer Jane Bullock on 07810 505535.