A GRIEVING husband will take part in the city's tenth annual 10k race in memory of the love of his life.

Vincent Callaghan, 37, will run the York 10Kon Sunday, August 5, in honour of his wife of 18 years, Joan, who died in December 2017 after battling Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) for two years, a stroke in 2016 and lung cancer in 2017.

Vincent who is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support said: "This race is for Joan, the love of my life. She was extremely courageous in her battle and I want to do something to commemorate her bravery.

"I chose to raise money for Macmillan because it helps so many people, but in all honesty I could have chosen many other cancer charities. They all play their part and I may choose to raise money for a different charity in the future."

Joan was diagnosed with CML in 2015 and underwent chemotherapy, but found her cancer was resistant to a number of treatments. In October 2017, she began suffering with repeated chest infections, and a CT scan confirmed she had lung cancer, but due to the CML and other medical conditions, there was nothing more doctors could do.

Vincent said: "On December 15, Joan needed oxygen as she was struggling to breath because of the pressure of her tumour. I took her to A&E, as it was the quickest way to be admitted hospital. She was taken on the ward at about 7.30pm. She insisted I go home. I told her that I loved her and that I would be back in the morning.

"The next morning, I got a call from the hospital to say she hadn't had a good night and I should get their as soon as possible. Joan never regained consciousness and passed away at about 3pm with her friends and family around her.

"Throughout all her illnesses, Joan was incredibly courageous. She took each thing in her stride and rarely complained about what she was going through – she just got on with it. I made sure I attended every appointment she had because there was nothing else I could do. It was her fight; I was just her corner man."

To sponsor Vincent, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vincent-callaghan1

Entries are still open for the York 10k at runforall.com