A FIVE-mile run will take place in June to commemorate the life of a young man who lost his long battle with leukaemia in August 2018 aged just 17.

The event is in memory of Rohan Ingley, and as such is now called “Rohan’s Run”, starting at 7pm on Friday June 24.

North Wales Road Running Club (NWRRC) is aiming to attract 400 runners of any age or ability to the revived race.

Starting on Deganwy promenade, the route takes runners along the Conwy Estuary footpaths towards the Cob and Conwy Castle, and then across the footbridge to the RSPB Nature Reserve, before returning home via the reverse route.

All proceeds from the race will be donated to CLIC Sargent and Ronald McDonald House, children’s cancer charities.

Joint race directors John Hatton and Carla Green said they felt honoured to be asked to take on this special tribute race, and admitted to feeling humble after getting to know Rohan’s family, and to fully understand just what they had been through.

John said: “Carla and I have organised this race for a long time, and from this year it will be in Rohan’s memory and will be called ‘Deganwy Dash five-mile Rohan’s Run’.

“He suffered for three years, and after his first bout of treatment he seemed to be winning, but sadly, he eventually succumbed. He was an extremely talented and popular teenager.’

Rohan, from Abergele, was a highly talented all-rounder, who excelled at sport and music, and was a popular student at the King’s School in Chester.

Rohan’s father and mother, Sanjay, and Aradhana, together with his sister Shreya, who are all doctors, were obviously devastated by his loss, but wanted everyone to know just how much Rohan’s short life was appreciated by so many people.

They thanked the race team for their incredible support and said they were now looking forward to the event, which had to be postponed from last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The family admitted that they never fully realised Rohan’s popularity until he first started to become ill, and Sanjay praised their generous and continuous support for his young son from Rohan’s friends, fellow students, parents, and teachers.

He said: “We had no idea just how popular Rohan was until his illness.

“When he was having treatment in hospital, many of his school friends even arranged a sort of rota and often visited him, sometimes seeking help and advice, or popped in for a chat, and perhaps some help with their schoolwork.

“He was an amazing young man and never once said ‘poor me’ or ever felt sorry for himself. He always wanted to help others.”

In March 2018, just a few months before he died, staff, pupils and parents arranged for a special fundraising “Open Mic Night” to be held at his school.

The event was live-streamed directly to Rohan’s hospital bed, where together with his father, he eagerly followed and enjoyed the festivities.

Rohan’s parents were later presented with a cheque for £5,808 for Ronald McDonald House charities, a cause close to Rohan’s heart.

It was also agreed that after the end of the school year, a special prize would be named after Rohan as a lasting tribute to a valued student and former classmate.

His parents also paid tribute to their son, saying: “Throughout his illness, he remained a smiling inspiration to all those who knew him and faced every challenge with such grace and maturity.

“Rohan was an exceptional person, and despite being on regular chemotherapy for leukaemia, and therefore missing his Year 10, he still took his GCSEs by doing two years of study in one year and achieved fantastic results.

“His achievements outside of academics included a Grade Seven for drums and piano, and he also played cricket for North-East Wales County team, the King’s School team, and for St Asaph Cricket Club.

“Additionally, he had accolades in the past for karate, chess and even swimming, and achieved a gold medal at national level.

“He always impressed everyone with his resilience, bravery, and sheer determination to make the very best of himself.

“Most importantly, Rohan was an amazing human being. His love, compassion, kindness, and care for everyone was unparalleled.

“We have not only lost a son, and a brother, but we have also lost a great friend, a harmoniser, a problem solver and a techno-whiz.

“We miss him so much. We miss his energy, his kindness, and his lovely smile.”

Rohan’s name has now been commemorated at the King’s School, where the “Rohan Ingley Centre” has recently been built.

This is a new pastoral centre utilising the latest state of the art facilities, and comprises an impressive medical centre, a learning support department, and a counselling service.

To enter the Deganwy Dash/Rohan's Run, please visit: secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=4754.