Reality stars Mark and Elliott Wright are embarking on a marathon challenge for Prostate Cancer UK for a personal cause they say is close to their hearts.
The cousins, who both appeared on reality TV show The Only Way Is Essex in the 2010s, will be sporting the charity’s t-shirts for the Run The Month: Marathon Edition challenge this January.
Elliott’s father Edward, affectionately known as Eddie, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013 and died after contracting coronavirus in 2021, and his and Mark’s grandfather was also diagnosed with the disease.
Meet our NEWEST Run the Month Ambassadors 👋
Throughout the month of January, @MarkWright_ and @elliottwright_ are running 26.2 miles, to raise money and help save men's lives.
🏃 And YOU can join them.
➡️ Sign up today: https://t.co/s0LbojGCXr#RunTheMonth l #ProstateCancer pic.twitter.com/NGuq9QpWzE
— Prostate Cancer UK (@ProstateUK) December 6, 2024
Elliot said: “This will be the fourth time I’ve taken on Prostate Cancer UK’s Run the Month: Marathon Edition challenge; it represents a hugely important personal cause in aid of a fantastic charity, and it’s great to get Mark and the family on board this year.
“My dad was colossal. He was my best friend, and I looked up to him. He taught me everything I know.
“If I could be half the man he was when I finally pass, I’ve done well. He was a true gentleman, and a family man.
“He was the focal point and always wanted to bring the family together.”
Mark added: “Growing up, Eddie was the uncle you dream an uncle to be.
“He would always make sure you’re having fun, always make sure you were happy.
“And even when times were a little bit tough in terms of business, which obviously everyone’s had, if I ever turned up at the house, first thing he’d do is try make me smile and make sure you know I was happy.
“Eddie really was the centrepiece to the family. And now he’s gone, there’s a massive hole, so we have to work at staying together and work at staying close and supporting each other, and that’s what we try and do every day.”
He continued: “Run the Month is just such a great idea. It’s a great way for people to get fit, especially in January after we’ve piled on a couple of pounds after Christmas.
“It’s also a cause so close to our heart, prostate cancer. And the disease has affected us like it has a lot of other people.
“So we want to get the message out to others to get yourselves checked, and look after themselves.”
He added: “Until prostate cancer has touched you closely like it has us twice losing one of our family members and nearly losing the other, you don’t really realise how important it is.”
What's your top tip for runners? 🤔
Here's what @MarkWright_ and @ElliottWright_ suggest if you're lacing up your trainers for the very first time.
[And there's still time to sign up to our #RunTheMonth: Marathon edition challenge ➡️ https://t.co/s0LbojGCXr] pic.twitter.com/FFZL96df1z
— Prostate Cancer UK (@ProstateUK) December 10, 2024
Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Saving men’s lives is a marathon, not a sprint. Each January, our superb supporters have raised millions by lacing up their trainers and conquering Run the Month – and we hope 2025 will be the challenge’s biggest year yet.”
She added: “Every runner who takes Run the Month on will help fund vital research towards a screening programme, so we can catch prostate cancer early and save men’s lives.
“We wish everyone taking part the best of luck, and can’t wait to get started in 2025.”
The challenge involves running 26.2 miles in total throughout January while raising money for the charity to help fund research into prostate cancer.
One in eight men get prostate cancer making it the most common cancer in men, according to Prostate Cancer UK.
To find out more or to sign up for Prostate Cancer UK’s Run the Month: Marathon Edition go to: prostatecanceruk.org/rtmme-pr1.
