Darren Ramage, 40, from Ross-on-Wye, is running the 2016 London Marathon on April 24th to raise money for World Cancer Research Fund, the cancer prevention experts.

Postman Darren is taking part in the greatest marathon of them all in memory of his father Alan who died in July 2014 after a heartbreaking 15-month battle with oesophageal cancer.

Darren will join 23 other members of the World Cancer Research Fund team running the 26.2-mile route around the streets of the capital. Darren told the Ross Gazette:?“The reason I’m doing the marathon is so that people don’t develop cancer in the first place, and therefore don’t have to suffer in the same way my father did. Watching him fade away made me determined to do my bit in the fight against this horrific condition.

“The cancer which afflicted my Dad is actually one of the most preventable. Research shows that by not smoking or drinking alcohol, being a healthy weight and choosing a healthy diet, we could prevent most cases in the UK.

“I’ve asked my customers to sponsor me and the response from them has been truly amazing ­­— I passed my target of £2,000 with six weeks to go, and am currently standing at an incredible £2,600. This has given me a great spur to train as hard as possible for the race and do myself and World Cancer Research Fund proud on the day. I’ve already smashed my half marathon personal best and I hope to do the same for the full distance on 24th April.”

Paul Fretwell, Head of Fundraising at World Cancer Research Fund, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Darren for his fantastic support. It’s thanks to the amazing efforts of people like Darren that we can continue to help the public make more informed lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of cancer.”

Visit sponsorme.co.uk/darrenramage/london-marathon.aspx to support Darren’s fundraising or to join him in running and raising money for World Cancer Research Fund, email [email protected] or call 020 73434200.