Ayrshire man runs with brave cancer-battling dad to complete epic 150-mile challenge

An Ayrshire man got to run with his brave dad battling cancer to the finish line of an incredible 150-mile charity challenge.

Cameron Snow, 26, from Troon took on a gruelling month of runs in March to raise vital funds for the Beatson Cancer Charity, who looked after his dad Steve while he fought throat cancer.

The former Marr College pupil, who now works for a schools’ software firm in Glasgow, smashed his own personal goal with a few days to spare.

And he was joined by his hero dad, who is still recovering from treatment, for the final stretch at Glasgow Green on Sunday, March 27.

A delighted Cameron told Ayrshire Live: “With the weather being good last week I just wanted to go for it.

“My dad brought a ribbon to run across at the end. He joined in for the last 20 yards as I think he wanted a bit of the limelight.

“He was really chuffed in the end, it was a nice moment for us to share.”

Cameron has raised more than £3,000 for the Beatson, a specialist Scots cancer care centre and hospital.

Along the way he was helped by his Ayrshire pals as he took strides along Troon promenade to reach his goal.

Dad Steve, 62, was diagnosed with throat cancer in August last year after noticing a small lump on his neck.

A former British Airways worker, he was put through rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a bid to shrink the cancer.

However, after months of gruelling treatment, Steve deteriorated and was admitted to the Beatson.

Cameron said: “My dad just lost so much weight over a short period of time, he lost about two stone in two or three weeks – he couldn’t eat and needed a food tube in for a bit.

“He was really fatigued and not sleeping, he had to go into the Beatson for a couple of weeks.

“The care there was first class, they just went above and beyond for him. It’s not a place anyone wants to be but it never felt like a hospital. It was a nice environment.

“Knowing how they care for people really pushed me to keep running.”

He added: “I certainly underestimated cancer, I just thought it’s my dad and he’ll be fine in a couple of months.

“He would always keep himself fit, he was a keen runner and would be going to spin classes or out walking the dog.

“It wasn’t nice to see how much cancer changed him, I never realised how much it would take it out of him.

Cameron hopes sharing his dad’s story will help raise awareness for people to get themselves checked if they think something isn’t right.

“It is so important to get something you are worried about checked by your doctor,” he said. “Thankfully my dad had an early diagnosis which meant the treatment could start fairly quickly.

“It’s been inspirational for me to see how he’s fought – he kept a smile on his face and kept his spirits up and he’s breaking the jokes once again.

“That’s what motivated me to do this challenge. I’m really proud of him.”

You can donate to Cameron’s fundraiser for the Beatson here.

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