All photographs are courtesy of Yorkshire Cancer Research

Friday 8th May 2026

By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor

A Bridlington woman who rebuilt her strength after a life‑changing cancer diagnosis has proudly launched a month‑long baton relay in support of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Sixty‑year‑old Josie Clark, from near Bridlington, became the first person to carry the Baton for Yorkshire as the charity’s We Walk for Yorkshire 2026 fundraising campaign began on 30th April at the new Yorkshire Cancer Research centre in Hull.

The baton will travel through 35 locations across the region, symbolising the 35,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire every year.

Josie said it was an emotional moment to lead the relay:

“It was amazing to carry the Yorkshire Cancer Research Baton for Yorkshire and walk alongside the people who have been there for me during my cancer treatment.”

A Runner at Heart

Josie discovered a passion for running after trying Sewerby parkrun on her 57th birthday. In the two years that followed, she completed 96 parkruns, aiming for her 100th by July 2025. She also took part in 5k races with her best friend of nearly 50 years, Annette.

“Walking and running is such an important part of my life,” she said. “Annette and I are both slightly obsessed with running and can get quite competitive about it too!”

A Shock Diagnosis

Her active routine came to an abrupt halt in May 2025 when she found a lump on her leg. After a biopsy, Josie was diagnosed with nodular melanoma, a fast‑growing form of skin cancer. Around 32 people in Yorkshire are diagnosed with melanoma each week, and four die.

“I’d never used sunbeds or been badly sunburnt, so it came as a shock,” she said. “My diagnosis has changed how I think about sun exposure and the importance of protecting my skin.”

Josie underwent surgery in June 2025, but a follow‑up scan revealed the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. Immunotherapy treatment successfully shrank the tumour, and she had further surgery in December to remove six lymph nodes, four of which were cancerous.

Recovery and Resilience

Despite ongoing health concerns — including lung nodules currently being investigated and sudden sight loss in one eye — Josie has remained determined to stay active.

“It’s been intense, but I like to keep positive,” she said. “After the operation on my leg, I couldn’t wait to get out and about again.”

Since January, she has been rebuilding her fitness through community walks and recently completed the Headscarf Hustle 5k in Hull. She also achieved her long‑awaited milestone: her 100th parkrun, celebrated with her son, daughter, and a post‑run party.

“I missed out on so many moments last year, but my family and friends have been incredible,” she said.

Walking for Yorkshire

To mark how far she has come, Josie has signed up for the We Walk for Yorkshire 2026 challenge, pledging to walk 35 miles in May — one mile for every thousand people diagnosed with cancer in Yorkshire each year.

“The Yorkshire coast and countryside is a wonderful place to walk,” she said. “It’s so good for your mind.”

Her community has already raised over £1,500 to support Yorkshire Cancer Research’s £75 million investment in life‑saving research and services.

On 1 May, Josie’s parkrun friends joined her at Sewerby Cliffs to complete another leg of the baton relay — a place she says has become central to her recovery.

“Sewerby means a lot to me,” she said. “It’s where I’ve started to walk regularly again, reclaim my strength and make new memories after cancer.”

Follow the Baton

The Baton for Yorkshire will continue its journey throughout May. Supporters can follow its progress and donate at: https://join.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/fundraisers/batonforyorkshire