A university lecturer from Bassett is running in the ABP Southampton Half Marathon to raise funds for the special cancer unit which helped save his life.
42 year old Dr Huw Jones, a lecturer in film studies at the University of Southampton, spent his final weekend before this Sunday’s race (24 April) training in the Grunewald forest in southwest Berlin while on holiday.
He said: “Even though I was enjoying a long weekend break in Germany I wanted to keep the pressure on by doing a few training runs. I’ve never done a Half Marathon before, so I’m keen to see what the vibe on Sunday is like. From the pictures, the Southampton event looks like a lot of fun. I’m also looking forward to running through the University campus but most of all crossing the finish line!”
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of receiving its Royal Charter, the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus is a new landmark on the route of this year’s ABP Southampton Marathon.
With the 2022 course winding through theUniversity’s grounds, Celebration Campus will welcome runners who have conquered the gruelling incline up Burgess Road with a much-needed watering station, while supporters and locals can enjoy the entertainment and atmosphere at the event. As part of the University’s celebrations Huw is one of a number of staff and students who have been allocated a place in this year’s race.
It was while working at the University of York in early 2017, that Huw developed a cough which wouldn’t go away. A diagnosis locally proved to be inconclusive, and it was only when Huw moved toSouthampton six months later to take up a job at the University of Southampton that he secured an appointment with top cancer specialist Professor Peter Johnson at the University Hospital Southampton.
Huw takes up the story: “Prof Johnson immediately diagnosed that I was suffering from Hodgkin's Lymphoma – his speciality - and that I was in fact very poorly. Six months of intensive chemotherapy followed and thanks to the brilliant cancer team at the hospital I’m now in full remission. My treatment was overseen by Prof Johnson who is one of the champions behind the University of Southampton's Centre for Cancer Immunology.
“As one of the University’s designated charities it’s a cause very close to my heart so I’ve already raised over £500 thanks to the generosity of family, friends and colleagues from the University’s Film department. Every single penny would be greatly appreciated so if anyone is wanting to make a donation, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/huw-d-jones".
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