Mr Connor running into the History books!
Paul Connor's Race for Life
On 3 May, Paul Connor took part in a 5K Race for Life in support of Cancer Research UK, setting himself an initial goal of raising £1,000. The response from his friends and the Ampleforth community was incredible, so much so that he was able to raise his target three times, with a final ambition of raising £9,000. Thanks to the Ampleforth Society and College community, he has now raised £10,000, including Gift Aid, a very meaningful sum.
Paul’s motivation is deeply personal. In 2020, his wife Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer. Paul has seen first‑hand the devastating physical, emotional and mental toll of the disease, not only through Tracey’s experience but also through the loss and diagnoses of close friends, colleagues and family members.
Although a 5K may seem modest to some, it represents a major challenge for Paul. Following a serious injury in his early twenties, running and even walking are painful. Nevertheless, his commitment is simple: to push himself, finish the race, and do something meaningful.
Paul’s family was told that Tracey had hope because of advances made through cancer research over the past twenty years.
“It was research that saved Tracey — without it, she wouldn’t be here.”
Paul ran with the mission to help provide hope and support for those affected by cancer. Any donation via the Giving Page will help fund vital research that saves lives.
A few words from Paul Connor
Words cannot express how grateful I am for the incredible support I have received for my 5K run in support of Cancer Research UK. The Ampleforth Society has been fantastic, with some amazingly kind and generous donations and some wonderfully warm messages of support (from OAs whose memories of my lessons are obviously fading!). It was cold and pouring with rain on the day, and I’m aching all over, but it was worth every moment for such an important cause. My Giving page is still open if anyone would still like to donate, but my overriding message is one of thanks, gratitude and humility.
Thank you so much again.
Paul Connor
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