A FITNESS instructor has completed a charity run in memory of his uncle.

Ollie Varey, who works at Everyone Active Derwent Swim and Fitness Centre in Norton, took part in the York 10k earlier this month to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 20-year-old, who lives in Norton, completed the run in 42 minutes, crossing the line at 220 out of more than 6,000 runners.

Ollie said: “I lost my uncle Richard Scott to this terrible illness a few years ago and I know many others have suffered the same grief.

“He was a huge idol of mine and we always played football and cricket together with my brother, Alex, and my dad, Steve.

“He always motivated me to do the best I could with my sport and life.”

Ollie said that before the race he had been training five times a week, including two cardio-running sessions, two weight training and one conditioning session.

“I have had a lot of support from my manager and friend Ben Powell who had been giving me an abundance of encouragement to reach my optimum fitness,” he said.

“We have both lost close family members to cancer and Macmillan is a great charity that is very close to both our hearts.”

Ollie has so far raised about £500 with sponsorship forms still welcome.

“It was an amazing day and there was a real buzz about the whole event,” he said.

“The support from everyone was fantastic and it was great to see the people from Macmillan at the end as I sprinted over the line.”

Ollie added: “I would like to thank everyone for their support and donations and for everyone’s encouragement.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so at justgiving.com/fundraising/ollie-varey1 or Derwent Swim and Fitness Centre in Norton.