Great-grandfather, 90, takes on tough run to raise money in memory of friend

Dennis Adelsberg, 90, officially started the 50th annual Parbold Hill race last year, an event he has been involved with since it started.

And it was this seven-mile route that he chose when he decided to raise money in honour of friend Richard Petherick, who was 51 when he died in November.

With the help of his running partner Andrew Dalton, Dennis completed the run in around three hours - and even had chance to enjoy a brew (and a shot of whiskey!) halfway though.

His proud daughter Gillian said: “The run went well. He said he doesn’t feel like he actually did it because he has no aches or pains. It took around three hours in bad weather and he said he couldn’t have done it without Andrew.

“To still be running at 90 is unbelievable and he is one amazing man.”

Great-grandfather Dennis added: “I’d never have made it without Andrew Dalton. I took a couple of falls on the hillside, as it’s very rocky underfoot with the ground being compacted and frozen, with Andrew there to get me back on my feet!”

Dennis, who lives in Lathom, has so far raised more than £2,000 for Cancer Research UK in memory of Richard.

He has been running since the age of seven and has completed many races over the years including marathons, with 12 of those in London.

Some races were in aid of good causes, including running the New York marathon to raise money for a CAT scanner at Ormskirk and District Hospital, where he spent 27 years with the league of friends.

He took part in the first Parbold Hill race in 1970 and has toed the line more than 20 times over the years. In 2020, Dennis was given the number one bib and officially started the race, before joining the runners.

He is president of Skelmersdale Boundary Harriers and carried the Olympic torch as it toured the country in 2012.

To donate to his appeal for Cancer Research UK, go to fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/deniss-giving-page-13

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