'If it wasn’t for research, I wouldn’t be here now' - Wolverhampton chef 'proud' of son who raise thousands for cancer charity
A Wolverhampton father is the face of Cancer Research UK's Race for Life campaign alongside his son Kurtis after beating the condition and seeing the youngster cross the finishing line last year.
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Elan Clayton was being treated for stage four bowel cancer that had spread to his liver last year when he saw Kurtis complete an event in Sandwell.
It was an emotional moment for the father of four, who had no idea whether he would be around to see his youngest three children grow up.
Now, ten months on and cancer free, Elan, from Bushbury, is fronting Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life alongside Kurtis and calling on people to join in one of this year’s events.
Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.
It’s something Elan is passionate about – especially after being told his cancer might not be curable.
He said: "If it wasn’t for research, I wouldn’t be here now so I’m a very proud dad,” said Elan, who was given a chemotherapy drug called Oxaliplatin which Cancer Research UK scientists helped to develop.
“When I was first diagnosed with cancer Kurtis told his mum he wanted to do something to help, so he came up with the idea to do Race for Life. He went onto the website and created a profile all by himself. He’s my little superhero – the Robin to my Batman.”
Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.
Of the ten Midlands events taking place between May and July, Elan and Kurtis have been chosen to start Wolverhampton’s Race for Life in West Park at 11am on Sunday, May 18, the day after his tenth birthday.
Elan said; “I totally missed 2024 because my life was more or less spent in hospital. I got through it with the support of my wife, my kids and my friends who were all rocks but there was one high point and that was going to Race for Life.
“I was just overwhelmed with pride watching Kurtis cross that finish line to get his medal. To think of doing something like that at such a young age is amazing.”
Kurtis also inspired his big sister Cacherelle , aged 32, to take part in the adult Pretty Muddy event later in the day and the pair raised £4,000 between them.
Paula Young, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Elan and Kurtis for their support, especially during such a difficult time.
“Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it.
"Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years."
Race for Life kicks off in the West Midlands at Walsall Arboretum on Sunday May 11 with three, five and 10k events, then there is an event in Weston Park on Saturday May 17 and in West Park on Sunday May 18.
For details on all events and to enter, visit raceforlife.org
