George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

The Cardigans

Lovefool

Listen Live

Harrogate men take on marathon challenge in memory of 'inspirational' friend

Wednesday, 28 January 2026 08:36

Billy Hunter and Dan Etherington alongside Jack Newton's sisters Hollie and Zoe.

Two Harrogate men are preparing to take on a marathon challenge in memory of a close friend who died from cancer at the age of just 23.

Billy Hunter and Dan Etherington will run the famous marathon on Sunday 26 April 2026, raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of their close friend Jack Newton.

Jack was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer just before Christmas in 2021.

He died on 9 January 2022, shortly after undergoing his first round of chemotherapy.

Speaking about his motivation for the challenge, Billy said:

“Jack was one of the funniest, kindest, and most inspiring people you could ever meet.

"He stayed unbelievably strong and positive through everything he went through, and he’s someone we’ll never forget.”

The pair are fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that provides specialised care and support for young people with cancer.

The organisation works with and for young people, funding specialist nurses, youth workers and dedicated hospital units within the NHS to ensure patients have age-appropriate support throughout their treatment.

Billy said the marathon is a way to honour Jack’s memory while supporting a cause that helps young people facing cancer.

Donations raised through the challenge will go directly towards supporting the charity’s work with young patients across the UK.

To contribute to their campaigns, find Billy's JustGiving page here and Dan's here.

More from Local News

Main section of A59 Kex Gill route set to open 'within weeks'

The main section of the new A59 Kex Gill route between Harrogate and Skipton is set to open within weeks.
Harrogate Ladies' College celebrates best A*-A results in four years

Pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College are celebrating their best A*-A grade percentage in four years as this year's A Level results are announced.
Ashville pupils heading around the world after A Level success

Pupils at Ashville College in Harrogate are celebrating another strong set of A Level results, with leavers securing places at universities and organisations across the UK and overseas.
Students celebrate A Level success at St Aidan's and St John Fisher

Students at the Associated Sixth Form of St Aidan's and St John Fisher are celebrating another strong set of A Level and vocational results.
Everything you need to know about Symphonic Ibiza this weekend

Thousands are set to descend on the Great Yorkshire Showground this Saturday (15th August) as Symphonic Ibiza arrives in Harrogate.
Eight Ripon Grammar students achieve four A*s or more

Students at Ripon Grammar School are celebrating a stellar set of A-level results, with eight achieving four A* grades or more.
Harrogate Grammar celebrates strong A-level results

Students at Harrogate Grammar School are celebrating another year of strong A-level results.
Ripon pupil overcomes anxiety to pursue Paris dream

A Ripon Grammar School student who once struggled to walk into exam rooms because of anxiety is preparing to pursue her dream of studying in Paris.
More details revealed about Harrogate's Christmas ice rink in Valley Gardens

More details have been revealed about the new covered ice rink coming to Harrogate's Valley Gardens this Christmas.
GALLERY: Hundreds gather at Almscliffe Crag for view of solar eclipse

Hundreds gathered at Almscliffe Crag last night (Wednesday) to watch one of the most spectacular solar eclipses visible from the UK in years.
Ripon Summer FunFest returns for sixth year

Families are being reminded there is still time to book a place at Ripon's annual Summer FunFest, which returns next week.
Extreme heat to cause disruption on Harrogate train line

Rail passengers in Harrogate are being warned to expect disruption as Northern introduces a reduced timetable due to extreme heat.
Firework Championships to light up skies over Ripon next weekend

The skies above Newby Hall will be filled with spectacular displays when its annual Fireworks Championships return later this month.
Harrogate MP calls for Lifeline changes to be put on hold

Local MP Tom Gordon has called for changes to North Yorkshire Council’s Lifeline service to be put on hold until residents have been consulted.
Harrogate streets targeted in £27,500 chewing gum clean-up

Busy areas of Harrogate are set to receive a chewing gum clean-up after North Yorkshire Council secured £27,500 in new funding.
New co-working space opens in Ripon city centre

A new co-working space has opened in Ripon city centre in memory of popular local photographer Paul Oldham.
Harrogate Cat Rescue receives year's supply of food for 80 cats

Harrogate Cat Rescue has received a three-tonne donation of cat food – enough to feed 80 cats for an entire year.
Covered ice rink to open in Harrogate's Valley Gardens this Christmas

A covered ice rink is set to open in Harrogate's Valley Gardens as part of a new programme of festive attractions for Christmas 2026.
Ripon's Jaflong named 'Best Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year'

A Ripon restaurant is celebrating after being named 'Best Bangladeshi Restaurant of the Year' at the English Curry Awards 2026.
Rise in number of children in care contributes to Council's £10m overspend forecast

Costs due to a rise in the number of children in care has contributed to North Yorkshire Council forecasting a £10m overspend for the financial year.