Stags’ staff in prostate cancer running challenge to help save lives

Stags’ staff are making big strides in an epic running challenge aimed at promoting a life-saving message for men.
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Mansfield Town FC’s physiotherapist Tom Whattamore and strength and conditioning coach David Waldie are raising money for Prostate Cancer UK in 30 day a running event.

The two dads are representing the club, in a November bid to run 10km, each day for 30 consecutive days. With three more days to go, as of (Friday, November 27) the pair have already netted £2013. They have already smashed their target of £500 but are still appealing for more donations.

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The challenge was set by staff at Rotherham United several years ago, now more than 30 teams, from different sports, are involved. The challenge was highlighted on Sky Sports.

Tom Whittamore (left) and David Waldie (right)Tom Whittamore (left) and David Waldie (right)
Tom Whittamore (left) and David Waldie (right)

Tom, who is 38, and lives in Derby, said: “In 2018, two lads from Rotherham United FC, Stephen Gilpin and Ross Burbeary started a fundraising challenge to run 10 km, just over 6.2 miles, every day for 30 days to raise awareness for prostate cancer. This year they have challenged practitioners of English Football League’s 72 clubs to join the fight.

"Me and Dave felt it was a brilliant cause. We just wanted to raise money for the charity, and help get home the lifesaving message to men to get tested, don’t be afraid or worried. If the cancer is found early, it can be dealt with.”

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Tom, runs from 5am in the morning, before work. His daughters, Amelia and Eleanor joined him on their bikes during his 15th run, and has been encouraged by partner Amy.

Tom Whittamore with daughters Amelia (middle) and Eleanor (right)Tom Whittamore with daughters Amelia (middle) and Eleanor (right)
Tom Whittamore with daughters Amelia (middle) and Eleanor (right)

Tom added: "I must admit, when I started, I thought, I can do this, then after the first day my legs were stiff, I had a few aches and I thought, oh no! Can I do 30 more days of this!

"But each day, my legs got used to it and was worth the pain to raise money for such a worthy cause."

On Monday, the last day, the pair will have each run 300 km or 187.5 miles in total.

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Both men ran on their home turf. Dave Waldie is married, with one child, ran in Lincoln. They also ran together before work, when Mansfield Town was playing away.

To donate:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-waldie2 See : Twitter:- @whitts_82 and @davwal1982