AN engineer is set to run 5km every day in 2020 in memory of a friend who died at the age of only 31.
Rick Dickens has completed a 5km run every day since January 1 and will continue to do so until December 31 this year.
The 36-year-old, a civil engineer at Lees Roxburgh Consulting Engineers in Birchwood, is taking on the challenge in aid of Brain Tumour Research.
His friend Danny Jones died in his wife Tara’s arms aged 31 after a two-and-a-half-year battle with glioblastoma multiforme, and aggressive form of brain tumour.
Danny Jones with son Franklin
Dad-of-two Rick said: “Danny was an incredible guy – he was one of the nicest blokes I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
“He would light up a room with his smile and was always the life and soul of the party.
“Within the space of three years, we saw him go from being a fit and healthy sports coach to going through four brain surgeries, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and eventually ending up wheelchair-bound.
“It was just so tragic, and he is sorely missed.
Rick with Danny's son Franklin
“I have fundraised for Brain Tumour Research in the past, completing the 75-mile Saltmarsh Ultra Marathon in 2015 – and my daughter had all her hair chopped off to raise money for the charity too.
“I wanted to do something completely different this time, something that would push my boundaries and that would hopefully inspire people to dig deep.”
Danny’s diagnosis in 2012 came just weeks after the couple discovered they were expecting their son Franklin.
Danny Jones pictured with son Franklin as a baby
Also dad to 15-year-old Holly, he was well known in the Chester area in part due to his work as a football coach in the city’s schools.
Rick, from Northwich, will run the final run of each month in fancy dress – having donned a t-rex outfit for his 5km on January 31.
Rick running dressed as a t-rex with friends, from left, Dean Meadows, Ben Farmer and Adam Norris
He added: “It is a juggle trying to fit the runs in around busy family life, but I haven’t missed a day so far and I’m really enjoying the challenge.
“Running on successive days is tough, as your body doesn’t get any time to rest or recover in between.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from relatives, friends and colleagues who have donated generously and even joined me on some of my daily jogs – I hope Danny would be really proud of me for raising vital funds and awareness of this horrendous disease.”
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