5k run at South Park, Darlington in aid of dad given weeks to live

Gary, a dad-of-two from Darlington, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer on June 11, 2025. On New Years Eve he was told that the cancer was terminal and that he had weeks to live.

Now, a friend for a decade, Paul Cook, has pulled together overnight a 5k race at South Park, Darlington on Sunday, January 11 at 10.30am to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support - a charity that has massively helped Gary and his family.

Gary Read (left), Paul Cook (right) running in a park run together (Image: PROVIDED)

Paul said: “It has been a whirlwind as we organised it on Monday night (January 5). We want it to be a celebration of Gary's life and an opportunity for people to see him amid this situation.”

Paul has known Gary for more than 12 years through running and said the response was immediate and overwhelming, adding: “I know already he is going to leave such a hole in the running community and leave a legacy to all he has ever come across.

"He is larger than life and truly inspirational. Just the response to the run and the fundraiser within 24 hours speaks volumes about how much he is thought of. But we knew how popular and well-known he is so we expected nothing less."

Paul Cook (left) has organised a celebration run for Gary Read (middle) after Gary has been given weeks to live due to cancer (Image: PROVIDED)

The fundraiser has already raised more than £3,000 (at the time of writing).

Paul added: “It is awful what has happened and we want it to be a really positive day, a celebration of Gary, getting people who love him and he loves together for a really special celebration.

“It will not be about chasing times or personal bests, it's about being there for Gary and appreciating everything.”

Gary is a former assistant highways engineer with Darlington Borough Council and a well known figure in the town’s running community.

He lives in Darlington with his wife Rachel, 42, and his children Sophie, 25, and Kieran, 22.

Organisers hope after this run it will become an annual memorial running event in his honour.