Inspirational dad and daughter clock up marathon miles to help more men know their risk

When Jim Collins arrived in Greenwich on the morning of the London Marathon, he was feeling ready to take on one of sport’s most iconic events. But what he didn’t expect was to see his daughter joining him on the start line. 

That’s because 21-year-old Kate had kept her entry a secret for months – all so she could spring a special surprise on her dad. 

Together, the Collins clan pounded the pavements of the capital’s famous 26.2-mile course to raise awareness of prostate cancer – a disease that’s affected their family more than most. 

“My dad was diagnosed in March last year,” explained Kate, a law student from Waltham Abbey in Essex.  

“That was at the same time my maternal grandad, Lawry, was going into palliative care for the disease.”

‘It was almost like it was meant to be’

By proudly wearing our iconic ‘Man of Men’, the dad and daughter duo were part of our incredible squad of 280 runners – who together have raised more than £500,000.  

An experienced runner, 55-year-old Jim crossed the finish line in three hours and 46 minutes, while Kate clocked in at five hours and 44 minutes. 

But for the Collins family, the stopwatch didn’t matter. It was all about running for a cause close to their hearts. 

Kate had kept her ballot place from last year’s Marathon after unexpectedly needing to defer her entry. And that’s when she had the idea to surprise her dad. 

Anticipating that Jim would have applied for one of our charity places, Kate wrote us a passionate letter – making the case for her dad to be granted one of the limited entry spots. 

“I sent it on a whim because there was a chance he hadn’t even applied,” recalled Kate. “But about a month or two later, he rang me and told me he’d been successful. 

“I can’t take any credit for him getting a place. But it was clear to me – by writing that letter – that this was something big. It was almost like it was meant to be that I deferred my place.” 

A top-secret surprise that led to an unforgettable day

Having heard the good news, Kate put her plan in motion and set about training during the final year of her law degree at the University of York. 

Kate convinced her dad she was preparing for a 10-mile challenge that they’d be running together in June. And she kept up the story all the way until the moment they collected their race numbers. 

“I don’t think my dad believed it when he found out!” said Kate. “I met him to pick up his number – he was in the green zone and I was in the red zone – and when I picked up mine as well it was amazing. He was so happy. And honestly, I think it made his year.” 

Kate had also kept the surprise a secret from her family, making sure Jim had his moment to shine after collecting sponsorship donations from more than 100 supporters and raising more than £4,000 to help other men and their families who’ve been affected by the disease. 

“The day was emotional,” Kate added. “I thought a lot about my grandad and the fact that even though my dad has prostate cancer he was still able to put his body through this. It’s quite an incredible feat.  

“The whole day was simply amazing – a day I’ll never forget.” 

If your dad or brother has had prostate cancer, your risk is even higher

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In fact, as many as 1 in 8 of our dads, grandads, brothers, uncles and mates will get it.  

And for men like Jim, who are over 50 and have a family history of the disease, their risk of prostate cancer is even higher. 

That’s why it’s so important for every man to know his risk. Because the earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. It’s not about luck or fate – it’s about taking control today, so you can enjoy more tomorrows. 

“An early diagnosis can save your life, so men need to be aware of the risk of the disease,” says Chris Jarrett, our Director of Fundraising.  

“Men are at higher risk if they’re over 50, Black or have a dad or brother who’s had prostate cancer. And the best thing you can do if you have concerns is take our 30-second online Risk Checker. 

“Kate and Jim and our amazing cast of 280 runners from across the UK are a brilliant demonstration of people coming together against prostate cancer. We’re incredibly grateful to them all.” 

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