A FATHER and son team are in a race to save lives.

David and Elliott Olsen from Ashurst are competing in the Great South Run in aid of Southampton-based charity Barrett’s Wessex which works to reduce the number of deaths from a condition which affects the oesophagus.

David’s wife, Clare, was recently diagnosed with Barrett's Oesophagus which can lead to oesophageal cancer – the fifth most prevalent cancer killer in the UK, claiming the lives of one person an hour.

The hospital gave them details of the charity which supports people like Clare and raises funds for specialist equipment to help identify and treat the disease which is caused by persistent acid reflux (heartburn).

Fortunately, Clare’s condition is now under control.

David, 50, and Elliott, 21 will be part of a small team running for Barrett's Wessex, which is currently raising funds for a £35,000 fine bore endoscope that will be able to detect cancerous growth sooner for those with swallowing difficulties.

In 2012 the charity bought a radio frequency ablation machine for Southampton General Hospital that prevents advanced stages of Barrett's Oesophagus progressing to cancer by burning away the top layer of damaged cells in the throat to make way for new ones to grow.

To sponsor David and Elliott visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/olsen.

Barrett's Wessex still has a few places left for people wishing to take part in the Great South Run which takes place in Southsea on October 25. For details, email the charity’s chairman, Chris Robinson, at chairman@barrettswessex.org.uk or phone 07771 567009.

For more details about the condition and the charity visit barrettswessex.org.uk.