A WOMAN is marking the first Fathers' Day since losing her dad to prostate cancer by running a 10K race in his memory.

Katie Joyce, a clinical pharmacist from Seaburn, is teaming up with her uncle Keith Marshall, 59, and his friends, Pauline and Tony Jackson, to take part in the Sunderland City 10K on June 20.

The 28-year-old is raising valuable funds for St Benedict’s Hospice, which cared for her father, Bill, from Ryhope before he died.

Bill was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, age 58, at which point it had already progressed to a stage where it was in his bones.

He put up a brave fight for two years with support from wife, Linda, his daughters, Katie and Annabelle, before his death in November.

Katie said: “It’s particularly poignant being the first Father’s Day since he passed away.

“As my mum says, if our participation in the event and awareness raising for prostate cancer can help even one person be diagnosed earlier, and it helps to raise funds for vital charities like St Benedict’s, then it’s all worthwhile.”

Katie’s younger sister Annabelle, 24, recently raised £1,675 for St Benedict’s by taking part in a charity head shave, and the four runners are hoping to take the fundraising total to over £2,000.

A weekend of events starts with the Sunderland City 5K on the evening of Saturday June 19.

The following morning will see thousands of runners take part in the well-established Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K, and the Active Sunderland BIG 3K.

All three events will start and finish in Keel Square in the city centre.

Katie said: “We have all have participated in charity runs in recent years but we are really excited about the Sunderland 10K.

“For my uncle Keith and I it’s a run in our great home town across the iconic Wearmouth bridge and beautiful coast at Roker.

“Keith ran the virtual Sunderland 10K last year, but this is the first time for all of us to run in the real event.

“But of course, to run in memory of my dad and to raise money for St Benedict’s Hospice is so special.”

To donate to their JustGiving page, named after one of Bill’s most popular phrases “It is what it is”, visit: virginmoneygiving.com/Team/Itiswhatitis2