By Lettie and Sophie Pertwee
Bowel Research UK was a charity that Richard Pertwee, our father, was passionate about. He was a proud and dedicated Trustee for many years and his commitment to the charity’s mission was unwavering.
Sadly, earlier this summer, he died not long after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Family life without his energy and vivacity feels very different, but in honour of his memory, we, along with 14 incredible friends, will be taking on the (mildly hilly!) Winchester Half Marathon on Sunday, 21st September to raise funds for Bowel Research UK. Together, we’ve formed Team ‘Run for Richard’.
The idea for the run was something we came up with and shared with our father during his final weeks, and it brought him enormous joy to know he would be able to continue giving back to a cause he cared about so deeply, even after he was gone.
Admittedly, this challenge is no small feat. With our children’s summer holidays in full swing, it’s not exactly the easiest time to train! Lettie will happily admit she’s not a natural runner and feels far outside her comfort zone at anything faster than a brisk walk, while Sophie, after three hip surgeries and two children in four years, had long since retired her running shoes. But together, we are determined to push past the aches, the hills, and the doubt, because for us, this is about so much more than just crossing the finish line. It’s a tribute filled with passion and determination, and a way to carry our father’s spirit with us every step of the way.
Our father was never one to sit on the sidelines. He faced every challenge with vision, energy, and an unstoppable sense of purpose. As his daughters, we are determined to carry that same spirit with us and honour the incredible legacy he has left behind.
We are running for our Dad. For Richard. And for the remarkable work that Bowel Research UK achieve.
So wish us luck as we take on those hills…!