A DEDICATED group has been battling the freezing temperatures in tribute to a "one of a kind" dad who was a role model to his family.
In what was an immensely difficult year, former Pilks worker John Haggerty was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2023, just months before his beloved mum passed away.
Despite dealing with his mum's declining health at the same time as his own deteriorating condition, John "stayed strong right until the end" and maintained a positive attitude that kept the family going.
Passing away in August 2023, John has been described as a "role model" by his son Shane and a "one of a kind" by his son-in-law Barry, with the latter deciding to set a marathon challenge to bring people together and turn the tragedy into something positive.
READ > Postmasters 'still using Horizon and covering shortfalls' as staff fight for justice
Signing up to Prostate Cancer UK's month-long 26.2 mile challenge, Barry Pope thought it would be a nice way to honour John and set a modest target of raising £200 for the charity.
With various routes organised until the marathon distance is completed, around 30 to 40 people have come along to run (or walk) in the challenges and have so far raised more than £3,000 for the charity - making the group one of the top ten fundraisers across the country.
Not only have the events raised money and awareness of prostate cancer, they have also brought people together who have also lost loved ones and suffered similar experiences.
Shane and the family said: "The challenges have been amazing because we have had so many people coming along who have been through the same things, even people who I've never met before.
"I think it's been great for people's mental health and it's also brought our family back together because we lost our dad and nan in such a short space of time, so it's been so nice to talk about the memories we have of them.
"Baz has set all this up while he's got his own family to look after, and his work at the council and coaching at FC St Helens, so I think he's just an inspiration.
"My dad was my role model but if there was another man I'd look up to, it would be Baz."
Speaking about his father-in-law and his reason for starting the challenge, Barry added: "John was one of a kind and I can't thank him enough for the things he did for me in the 21 years that I knew him.
"He pretty much helped to build my house and anything you needed of him, he would be there for you.
"His mindset during his illness was phenomenal, so we took a lot of comfort from this and I wanted to do something to raise money and awareness of prostate cancer."
Speaking about the fundraising, the dad-of-one added: "I can't believe the response to the challenge to be honest, I set it up over Christmas and just thought I would raise a couple of hundred quid.
"But we have had so many people coming and reaching out to us, and others coming along despite not knowing anyone, so it has been brilliant, and I'm looking forward to the final one on Sunday and a pint afterwards."
After John's passing, Barry, Shane and the family stressed the need for men to be aware of any prostate cancer symptoms and get checked out if they are concerned. Symptoms can be found here.
You can donate to Barry's fundraiser for John and Prostate Cancer UK here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here