Amanda to guide Natasha in Leeds half marathon as a thank you to Addenbrooke’s and tribute to colleague Dave Bateson

Natasha and Amanda are taking on the Leeds Half Marathon in support of Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, inspired by the incredible journey of their colleague and friend, Dave Bateson, who received the all-clear from cancer early last year.

Amanda is an experienced runner, while Natasha is a novice who only took up running in the past year. Natasha is registered blind, and Amanda, who is partially sighted herself, will act as her guide runner and chief motivator on the day – keeping energy levels high as they take on the challenge together.

Dave was first diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas in 2019. After initial surgery, there was hope that the cancer had gone. Sadly, in 2021, he received the devastating news that it had progressed to stage four and spread throughout his body. It was a crushing blow, leaving his family and friends heartbroken as they tried to come to terms with what lay ahead.

Despite the uncertainty, Dave faced the situation with remarkable strength. Even before he received the all-clear, at a time when things felt incredibly uncertain, he began raising money for Addenbrooke’s – the hospital that was giving him the best possible chance. Through a series of fundraising events, Dave has raised an incredible £50,000 in support of the hospital.

Thanks to the pioneering treatment and exceptional care provided by the team at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Dave has been cancer-free since January 2024. The expertise, compassion and innovation of the Addenbrooke’s staff gave him a second chance – one he’s embraced fully. Now he’s back to doing what he loves most: spending time with his family, enjoying the football, and continuing to give back through charity.

Inspired by Dave’s resilience and determination, Natasha and Amanda are lacing up their trainers in his honour – and to say thank you to Addenbrooke’s.

Their run is more than a race – it’s a tribute to friendship, hope, and the life-changing impact of Addenbrooke’s Hospital. Every mile they run will help ensure more families receive the care and support they need.

Dave says, “To see Natasha and Amanda taking on something as big as the Leeds Half Marathon – and doing it together – honestly means the world to me. Addenbrooke’s gave me a second chance at life, and knowing that others are running to say thank you and to help more people like me is incredibly humbling”