MORE than 10,000 runners, including a couple from Yeovil, took part in a challenge to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Jon, 53, and Imogen Milsom, 44, took part in the charity's run the month: marathon edition in January.

The couple decided to take on the challenge of running 26.2 miles in a month because Jon's dad has been received treatment for prostate cancer.

They hit the target along with their eldest son Toby, 11, and managed to raise £265.

Manchester-based Carl Smith shared his idea to spell out phrases during the runs at the start of the month and created a Facebook group, which now has more than 2,000 members.

Using running apps on their mobile phones, the team set to work with each letter spelled out in their local communities thanks to some hugely creative routes – and an iconic image was created. 

Runners managed to create the following phrases: 'Men We Are With You', 'Prostate Cancer UK' and 'Run The Month'.

Jon and Imogen wrote the letter N and K during their routes.

Chard & Ilminster News: SUPPORT: 'Men We Are?With?You' created by a team of runners who are raising money for Prostate Cancer UK

“The Facebook group been incredibly supportive," said Imogen.

"Understanding that everyone faces very different challenges can be very inspiring and encourages you to ‘go the extra mile’, knowing that you are contributing towards something that is more important than yourself.

“Through run the month I wanted to raise awareness of prostate cancer, and money for Prostate Cancer UK, because we are very aware of the impact this form of cancer can have, as well as the ups and downs of the treatment on the patient and the wider family.

“There are so many challenges that we are all facing at the moment and yet there is still a huge capacity to help and support others.

"Anything that we can do to help bring about a greater understanding of this cancer and to find successful treatments would be more than worth it for those that are dealing with it right now and for the coming generations.”

The run has so far raised more than £2.2million to fund lifesaving research.

Tracey Pritchard, director of fundraising and supporter engagement at Prostate Cancer UK, added: “We’re incredibly proud that Imogen and Jon joined our team of remarkable runners in run the month: marathon edition, in January. Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, and the Covid-19 pandemic has made living with a diagnosis only harder.   

“The participants, including Imogen and Jon, have well and truly shown how families, friends and communities can work together, locally and across the UK to help save lives – especially during a difficult period.

“Hard times show what people stand for. When the future is uncertain and the choices are tough, we stand for men with prostate cancer. We thank Imogen and Jon for all their incredible efforts and hope they can now enjoy a well-earned rest!”  

To sponsor Imogen and Jon visit runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk.org/fundraising/milsom-family-challenge-run-a-marathon-for-pr.