A CHARITY fun run is returning to Darlington in celebration of a former police officer who has raised tens of thousands of pounds since being diagnosed with cancer.

Viv Pow, who lives in Middleton Tyas, near Darlington, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012 and told in 2021 that it was inoperable.

However, the 59-year-old mother-of-two remains fiercely determined to remain positive, and organised Viv’s Positivity Power 5K Fun Run and Walk in Darlington’s South Park last year.

The event was such a success – raising nearly £2,000 for Cancer Research – that Viv has decided to bring it back for another year on Monday, July 17.

Viv served for 30 years as a police officer, including 23 years with Durham Constabulary, until her retirement in 2014.

She said: “The event was such fun last year, so we just knew we had to bring it back. We’re hoping that people will want to join in again, or just come down and cheer us on, have a laugh, and help us raise money for a fantastic cause.

The Northern Echo:

“The message we want people to hear is that whatever life throws at us, the power of being positive helps us make it through the dark times. Life is precious, life is wonderful, and we need to embrace every day. Please join us for a fantastic afternoon.”

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Viv’s best friend, Tracy Kirk, who helps organise the run, said: “Viv is just such a ray of positivity – nothing keeps her down, and she’s such an inspiration to us all to make the most of the time we have.”

Tracy has committed to a series of running events for Cancer Research and she and Viv – with the support of a loyal band of friends – have now raised around £36,000 over the years.

  • Entry for the July 17 run costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, and runners can sign-up at www.entermyevent.co.uk/positivitypower5k. The run begins at 6:15pm at South Park, Darlington, but runners are advised to arrive early to collect their race number. There will also be a raffle, tombola, and a cake stall.