Family’s annual race day raises more than £31,000 in tribute to much-loved husband and father

A local family has raised more than £31,000 by hosting an annual race day in memory of Bernard Evans, a beloved husband and father-of-two.

Bernard went through treatment at Weston Park Cancer Centre after being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2011 and liver cancer in 2016.

After Bernard passed away in August 2016, his wife Sian decided to set up an annual race day to honour his memory and raise funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity. 

The event, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, has made a huge impact and helped us to fund vital cancer research, support services, and treatment enhancements. 

Bernard’s story

Bernard was born in Litherland, Liverpool on the 9th of May 1961, and was the youngest of six boys.

He worked hard from a young age, first with a paper round and then as a caddy at Formby Golf Course.

After leaving school, Bernard worked in the tax office before joining the civil service. His career took him to London, and he rose up the ranks to become an Assistant Director in the Home Office. 

Bernard met Sian while working in London, and in 1993 the couple moved up to Sheffield. Bernard returned to education – undertaking O levels, A levels and finally a degree, all while working part time. 

The couple had their first child, Conor, in 1999 and their daughter Freya three years later. On 2nd July 2005, Bernard and Sian got married at Oldcotes Church.

Talking about her husband, Sian said:

“Bernard was gregarious and very sociable."

“He found it easy talking to people from different walks of life and was interested in what they had to say, remembering details about them the next time they met.

“Bernard was always full of life, and had a sense of humour that punctured any pretensions. 

“Even when his ‘luck had run out’, as he put it, he dealt with his diagnosis by saying it was ‘BAU’ (Business as Usual), and by being as upbeat as humanly possible.

“He was very good at keeping in touch with friends and valued their friendship.” 

Bernard’s life-long love of sport began as a child and at the age of six he would catch two buses so that he could go and play football.

“He was a keen sportsman, playing cricket regularly when we lived in London,” said Sian. “He also played golf and enjoyed horse racing.” 

“He supported Everton, and went to lots of games at home, away and abroad. He also enjoyed watching cricket and went to Melbourne to watch the Test match in January 1991."

“Though it was quite early in our relationship, he wrote me letters which arrived by airmail every couple of days.”

The Bernard Evans Memorial Race Day

Bernard’s love of sports was reflected in his funeral, with the procession going past the Doncaster racecourse where he spent many happy times.

Sian decided that she would set up an annual race day, so that friends and family could gather every year and remember Bernard.

“The first course we visited was my hometown of Beverley in 2017. Bernard’s best man, Steve, helped organise the first event and his donation kicked off the fundraising. We’ve held events every year since.”

After his first cancer diagnosis, Bernard became a supporter of Weston Park Cancer Charity – donating regularly to help people who would face cancer in the future.

“Bernard was always very supportive of Weston Park and the people there who prolonged his life and cared for him."

“It seemed only appropriate when remembering Bernard to try and raise some money for such an important part of his life."

“We were very honoured this year to be photographed presenting Weston Park with a cheque for our fundraising efforts, and this year we will be celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary back in Doncaster." 

Melissa Erwin, Legacy and In Memory Fundraising Manager at Weston Park Cancer Charity said:

“The Bernard Evans Memorial Race Day is such a wonderful way to pay tribute to Bernard, and we’re so grateful for all of the support that Sian, Conor, and Freya have given our charity over the years. 

“The fantastic sum they’ve raised will help us to support the one in two of us who will one day face cancer. It will help us to offer practical, emotional, and financial assistance to people when they need it most. 

“Thank you for the difference you’ve made, and we wish you every success with this year’s 10th anniversary event.” 

If you have recently lost a friend or a loved one to cancer, then our bereavement support services are here to help. Find out more at westonpark.org.uk/bereavement-support

For more information on how to organise an in-memory donation or event visit westonpark.org.uk/in-memory