Owls icon Carlton Palmer and wife Lucy to run Sheffield 10k for Weston Park Cancer Charity

Footballing legend Carlton Palmer and his wife Lucy know a thing or two about the hills of Sheffield.

Between them, they’ve spent countless hours running in the Peak District, training for charity races which have raised thousands for important local causes.

Carlton and Lucy were long-time supporters of Cavendish Cancer Care – which merged with Weston Park Cancer Charity in February 2025.

Now, they’re taking on the Sheffield 10k in support of our ‘see it. treat it.’ appeal – which aims to raise £1.85 million for an MRI simulator. This powerful piece of equipment produces high-definition images that allow for more targeted treatment of cancer.

“The earlier cancer is detected and the more accurately it is treated, the greater the chance people have of surviving,” said Carlton. “So, it’s important that we do what we can to bring this new piece of technology to the hospital.”

Funds raised by Carlton and Lucy’s 10k will be match-funded by Westfield Health, meaning every donation will make double the impact.

Lucy, who works as a teacher at a school in Bakewell, said:

“We want to raise as much as we can because we know that this scanner would help a great deal.

“Everyone in my family has died of cancer apart from my grandfather,” she continued. “So, this is a cause that’s really close to my heart.”

The couple has recruited a team of friends to run alongside them in the Sheffield 10k - many of whom have also been impacted by cancer.

Carlton, who played for Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom, and Leeds United, is a keen runner who has previously completed the London Marathon.

“Lucy and I run a lot together,” said Carlton. “We like keeping fit and it’s so easy to get out into the countryside when you live in Sheffield. We often head out towards Owler Bar or we’ll drive to Longshaw and run around the trails there.”

“Carlton’s really good and he’ll run at my pace,” said Lucy. “But when he runs by himself, he kicks on!”

While the couple enjoy running together, they’ll be taking two very different approaches come race day.

“My friend Jamie and I are going for sub 50 minutes,” said Carlton. “So, we’ll be running on ahead.”

“Whereas I’ve recruited a group of girlfriends who wouldn’t necessarily describe themselves as runners,” said Lucy. “We started our training with walking and have gradually built up. We’ll be running the 10k as a team and sticking together.”

“The previous running events we’ve done in Sheffield have been amazing,” Lucy continued. “I’ve been wowed at the level of community support and all the people who come out to cheer you on.”

“It’s always great to see so many people giving up their time to help others,” said Carlton.

“There’s a real feel-good factor,” said Lucy. “Running is so good for you in terms of mental health and the positive endorphins it releases. But when you’re running for a charity like Weston Park, you feel even better – because you know what you’re doing will help someone in need.”

Phoebe Marriott, Events Officer at Weston Park Cancer Charity, said:

“We are so grateful to Carlton and Lucy for supporting our ‘see it. treat it.’ appeal, which will bring Sheffield its first-ever dedicated MRI simulator.”

“This cutting-edge piece of equipment produces high-contrast images that allow for more precise treatments. By enabling more accurate targeting of tumours, the simulator is expected to boost survival rates and reduce side effects, enhancing quality of life during and after care.

“We can’t wait to cheer on Team Palmer and all of our fantastic runners at the Sheffield 10k this September!”

To sign up for the Sheffield 10k, head to: westonpark.org.uk/events/sheffield-10k-2025.

If you’d like to support Team Palmer, please donate at: Lucy Palmer • Sheffield 10K 2025.