BBC TV presenter Ali Vowles prepares to Run for the Future
PRESENTER Ali Vowles will be among runners participating in a run for research into prostate cancer after her dad recently lost his battle with the disease.
Here is Ali's story as told to the Bristol Evening Post.
"The Points West and Radio Bristol presenter had previously covered the event but this year will be taking part for personal reasons.
Her father, David Vowles, a retired farmer in Kingswood, near Wotton-under-Edge, was diagnosed with cancer two-and-a-half years ago and had treatment at Southmead Hospital, which benefits from money raised through Run for the Future.
The 5km run on the Downs next weekend is organised by Rotarians in Bristol and raises awareness of prostate cancer while also supporting research into the disease at the Bristol Urological Institute (BUI).
It is now in its sixth year supporting the BUI's Prostate Cancer Appeal and research to improve diagnosis of the disease.
Ms Vowles, who will be taking part for the first time, will also be helping to compere the event with her BBC Radio Bristol colleague Steve Le Fevre. Ms Vowles, who has worked for the BBC since the late 80s, said her dad had suffered some of the key symptoms linked with prostate cancer such as issues with his waterworks but it was not until he suffered terrible back pain that it was discovered he had the disease and it had spread to his bones. After being rushed to Frenchay Hospital a scan showed the cancer in his prostate and the base of his spine.
"Dad started on a course of hormone injections to help get his PSA (prostate specific antigen) down to more normal levels," she said.
"For a time it worked and helped ease the pain. He'd been seeing consultants at Frenchay and Southmead for his prostate problems and when the cancer was discovered he continued to go to Southmead and was under a brilliant consultant called Mark Beresford who specialises in prostate cancer treatment."
Mr Vowles fell and was taken back to Frenchay Hospital where it was discovered that he had cracked a bit of his pelvis on a cancer hotspot and he spent his last year in a nursing home as his cancer progressed.
"Throughout it all he maintained a magnificent attitude to life," Ms Vowles said. "He never once complained about his lot or said 'why me?' He bravely accepted all the help that was given and we as a family spent much of each week being with him so that he always felt loved and cared for."
On July 17 Mr Vowles lost his battle with cancer. At his funeral a collection was made for the BUI charity and Ms Vowles felt it was apt to get involved with the run.
"I'm going to feel incredibly emotional doing it for dad," she said. "I've done many interviews over the years with the organisers, with promoter John Miles who's helped raise so much money locally – and with family members who want to remember their loved ones. And now it's me in that position – wearing the t-shirt and thinking of my wonderful dad, who was great fun and so brave."
Ms Vowles, who is keen to raise awareness of the disease, said: "Sign up now and join me and the hundreds of other people who are running to raise money on Sunday, September 18. It's a manageable 5km distance, you can walk or run – and a really good way to show you care."
