Run for Ross raises nearly £3,000 for cancer charities

Claire Patterson with sons Ross and Jack pictured receiving their trophies at the Run for Ross event. INNT-43-711CON

More than 220 local people put their best foot forward to take part in the 3km ‘Run for Ross’ event, which was held at Sixmilewater Park on Sunday, October 12 and organised by Cathie McClean and Ricky Stewart.

The event, sponsored by Zest Fitness, raised £2,800 in aid of Carrickfergus charity One in Three Cancer Support, CLIC Sargent and the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

Ross’ mum Claire told The Times: “Ross thought it was just brilliant. Everyone had t-shirts with his picture on the back and he was buzzing. He was overwhelmed, waving at everybody and smiling. He has now got up to 2,500 likes on Facebook and other people are fundraising for him too, for example Kilbride Central Primary School and Ballynure Old Boys football team, who are having a charity match for CLIC Sargent in his name. The girls at Beauty and Beyond raised £2,300. It’s just humbling and amazing the way the community has pulled together.”

In a heartfelt thank you to the local community posted on Ross’ Facebook page, Claire states: “50 kids a year are treated in the Royal’s Cancer unit, 15 of those with leukaemia. Since Ross was diagnosed seven kids from the unit have ‘got angel wings’. I know we wouldn’t have got to this stage without the love, support and help from everyone. Our families have been our backbone and our friends have picked us up when we’ve been down. So thank you to everyone who has been there for my family and me.”

Ross is in remission and will soon begin a two-and-a-half-year course of oral chemotherapy, with the aim of being back at school at Christmas. He is looking forward to Halloween, when his mum says he will don his ‘Incredible Hulk’ costume in tribute to his favourite superhero. She revealed: “Last year he went trick or treating for the first time but I don’t know if he will be able to go this year, although he wants to. He is very excited as he has been asked to open Santa’s Grotto at Hillside Nurseries Gardening Centre, where the proceeds will be going to CLIC Sargent.”

The family are also hoping to hold a Black Tie evening in the new year featuring a signed Northern Ireland football shirt and items signed by Rory McIlroy.

Claire concluded: “We want to thank everyone for their continuing support.”