Sean Coxhead was a keen runner and a popular and important figure at GoodGym York where he embarked upon a number of community projects, including helping out at a local primary school and painting walls for a charity that supports vulnerable people.

On 15 May 2018 he was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer and was given 12 months to live. Sean was determined to live as full a life as possible and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support who advised and supported him and his family during this challenging time.

In 2019, Sean launched the Ribbon Run, a virtual event where people ran a 5K with a part of the route in the shape of a Macmillan Cancer Support ribbon and shared these on social media. He approached See York Run York to ask them to continue the Ribbon Run every year and for this charity and they eagerly took ownership of this fundraiser. Sadly, Sean Coxhead passed away on 1 September 2019, fifteen months after his initial diagnosis.

See York Run York have kept the same format for this year’s virtual 5K run which has to be completed anytime before 29 May. Runners share their ribbon art on social media using the hashtag #seancoxribbonrun. They will receive an attractive medal in return.

They had planned to do a Ribbon Run at their local parkrun but due to the lockdown, instead have asked runners to wear something green (the colour of Macmillan Cancer Support) in memory of Sean tomorrow (Saturday 23 May).

To enter, visit the Sean Coxhead Ribbon Run 2020 Virtual webpage.

Image courtesy of See York Run York.