Crowborough man to run Great North Run for wife despite his own shock diagnosis

Running the Great North Run was never on the cards for Dave Pettitt, 58, when his wife entered the race in 2022 but due to the complications of living with arthritis Becky, 53, had to defer her place two years in a row. On the third year since entering, after seeing the impact the condition was having on his wife, Dave decided to step in as her “super hero” and take on the fundraising and run in her place for the charity Versus Arthritis.

Dave rises to the challenge

Dave was training for Manchester Marathon so expected the 13.1 mile route to be a breeze, but four weeks after committing to run in Becky's place he received the unexpected diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer. Dave has deferred his marathon place but, inspired by his wife's determination will be at the start line of the Great North run despite having 8 cycles of chemotherapy.

“It's popped a rather inconvenient bump in my training to say the least,” said Dave . As someone who is used to pushing himself to great lengths physically, running and cycling regularly for 15 years, he was left feeling unsure how his treatment would leave him feeling physically and what he would be capable of and sought advice.

“My oncology team want me to carry on running and cycling as they were concerned that taking it away would impact my mental health. When I am running it's the only time I focus proactively on sending my cancer a message, it's not welcome and it can do one!” added Dave.

The couple had spent the years since both their daughters left home enjoying and living life to the fullest until four years ago when Becky received her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis which came as a complete shock. In the past she was confidently running a 5-hour marathon but because of the pain and fatigue her arthritis was causing, leaving Becky unable to even walk a kilometre some days, she had to stop running.

“I know that despite her positive outlook Becky is gutted that she isn’t able to do the race herself. One of her greatest pleasures was running and rheumatoid arthritis has taken that away from her. That said, she carries on with an immensely positive attitude to life and if anything will carry me to the finish line, it will be that!” explained Dave.

Receiving their diagnoses

Both Becky and Dave never expected to receive the diagnoses they did and the impacts it would have on their lives, but as soon as they could they were the first to support each other when they needed it.

“We've been married for just over 34 years now and we are still enjoying life but just in a slightly different way. I think we have always taken the view that life is for living and we have laughed our way through the good times and the tougher times, but I think you do what you have to for each other. A marriage is a partnership and if you accept there's tough times you are much better placed to navigate them,” said Dave.

This September, despite everything he is going through, Dave is still determined to make it to the start line of the Great North Run and complete the 13.1 miles for his wife and Versus Arthritis.

Versus Arthritis is the leading dedicated charity funder of arthritis research and has been involved in breakthroughs which have changed the landscape for people with rheumatoid arthritis, reducing chronic pain and helping them regain independence. The charity is working towards a future where people can live free from the pain of arthritis.

Dave has already raised more than £3,880 and will be joining Team Versus Arthritis on Sunday 7th September in the Great North Run.

Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, said:

“Over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis - that’s one in six living with the pain, fatigue and disability it can cause. Something Becky knows all too well.

“The Great North Run is an incredible event and every year I am in awe of the dedication and commitment from all those taking it on.

“The impact of arthritis can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently.

“I am incredibly grateful to everyone in taking part in the Great North Run 2025 and fundraising for Versus Arthritis. Dave’s commitment to continue fundraising for Versus Arthritis despite his cancer diagnosis is both admirable and inspiring to us all. I wish the very best of luck to you all!”