A 20-year-old runner from Thornbury has raised more than £800 for charity in memory of his father who passed away last July.

Aidan Goudie raised the money on behalf of Pancreatic Cancer Research by racing the Oldbury Fun Run last month, the disease that claimed the life of his father Ray.

Having co-founded Thornbury-based charities Inspire Arts Trust and New Generation Music (ngm), Ray was a popular figure in the community, with news of his passing on July 25, 2016, affecting many.

Hundreds took part in the 6km event at Oldbury-on-Severn on June 25, with a wealth of good causes and charities being represented.

Aidan said that Ray was the reason he decided to run, that he was much more than his dad, he was also his best friend. 

“My family and I have really struggled with the loss and what we all went through,” he said.

“I wanted to run in support of the charity to help families and other people in this situation, because I know how tough this is and we need to beat cancer.

“Pancreatic cancer isn't a commonly talked about cancer, but only three percent of people who get it survive, which is a shocking statistic and we need to see much more research and support for those suffering and their families.” 

The race was tough physically as well as emotionally for Aidan, who pulled his hamstring just after the halfway mark, with him saying at one point he might not even be able to complete the race.

But through sheer force of will, and thinking of the families he was raising for, he was able to complete the race.

Aidan’s mother and Ray’s wife Nancy, who joined him on the day, said how proud she was of her son.

“He was determined to run this race in memory of his beloved dad,” she said. “And even when he sustained an injury, he didn’t let it stop him, he battled through and I was proud to cheer him over the finishing line."

To sponsor Aidan and help add to his total, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Aidan-Goudie