Aaron Fletcher in 10k race tribute to his dad (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bierley man in fathers' day tribute to dad in Jane Tomlinson’s 10k race

10:31am Monday 20th June 2011 in Bierley By Sally Clifford, T&A Reporter

Jane Tomlinson’s 10k race tomorrow has special significance for Bradford teenager Aaron Fletcher.

As one of thousands of runners who will pound the streets of Leeds, Aaron will not only be celebrating his 15th birthday, but he will also commemorate Father’s Day by running in memory of his father, Christopher, who died at the age of 46 from a heart attack, when he was just three.

“It really is significant because he has to be 15 to run the race. It is his birthday and it’s Father’s Day. It means such a lot,” said Aaron’s proud mum, Karen, of Bierley.

Karen and her other son, 13-year-old Ben, who like Aaron is autistic and has learning difficulties, will wave Happy Birthday banners on the sidelines as Aaron runs alongside his sister, Emily Ritson, and Emily’s work colleague, Tally Bhambra. Tally is raising funds for Leeds children’s hospital.

Aaron and Emily have been in training for a year, regularly running along the Spen Valley Greenway and in Lister Park, Bradford.

So far Aaron has raised more than £200 and the money raised will go towards cancer charities, in memory of his grandmother, Barbara, who died of cancer in 2006.

Aaron chose exercise over medication. His father and grandfather, Alan, both died of heart attacks when they were 46 and because the condition is believed to be hereditary, he and Ben are undergoing genetic testing and are being closely monitored.

Aaron said he felt nervous but excited embarking on his first long-distance run.

To sponsor Aaron, visit justgiving.com/aaron-Fletcher.