A Batley man ran the Bupa Manchester 10K run to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Rafiq Kayat raised over £900 and dedicated the race to late Yasmin Mayet who lost her battle against cancer last year.
Rafiq said, “I have never actually done any running since leaving school in the early 90’s so you can imagine my hesitation to enter, however, with some hard work and training over the last couple of months I successfully completed the race on a very hot and humid Sunday in May.”
He thanked Cllr Hanif Mayet for allowing him to dedicate the race to his late wife, Yasmin, and not only aimed to raise money for cancer research but raising awareness of doing more for an illness which hits and affects so many.
The 38 year-old was entered into the race by an encouraging friend, Nita Patel. Rafiq told Paigaam after Nita ran the race last year she suggested for him to run in 2014 over a meal with a group of friends. Rafiq politely said yes not really thinking it would happen but a year later found Nita had registered his name for the race which attracts around 40,000 people each year.
Rafiq said he would recommend running the 10k and added his own intention to do it again next year,
“I would personally recommend it to anyone who would like to do this race in 2015 to sign up and I will see you again at the finish line.
“It’s an amazing feeling taking part with the other 40,000 participants, especially when you see the finish line on the final stretch of the last 1k.”
So far he has raised £993 for the cause and thanked all the donors as well as supporters who aided his challenge, adding “A huge thank you to all my family and friends who helped me raise a wonderful amount of money for cancer research.”
