A runner from Cheltenham is preparing to run the London Marathon in aid of the Anthony Nolan charity.

Mark Smith, who celebrates his 40th birthday just two weeks before the big race, is running in memory of his father, who died two years ago from cancer.

"Dad only told me two days before I ran my first London Marathon, in 2016, that he was unwell. In fact he was so unwell he couldn't watch me run. I was gutted. Then two days after the marathon, I rushed down to Southampton Hospital to hear that Dad had been diagnosed with Myeloma, a form of blood cancer."

Mark's father, Chris, had always been sporty and fit. "He'd always been active - on the tennis court, running, and cycling to work every day for 50 years, whatever the weather! But his fitness was almost his downfall."

Myeloma means red blood cells don't carry oxygen properly, so those with the disease become breathless very easily. "The fact dad was so fit, even at the age of 72, meant he didn't realise he was unwell until it was probably too late."

Despite aggressive cancer treatment Chris died just four months after his diagnosis.

"Dad had had stem cells and bone marrow samples taken. The aim was to kill off the bad stuff with chemotherapy, and then give him a bone marrow transplant which would start making healthy red blood cells again. But the cancer had spread too much, and ultimately overcame his whole body."

The Anthony Nolan charity finds stem cell donors so people with blood cancers can have a potentially lifesaving transplant. Its scientists research better methods of stem cell transplantation to improve survival rates.

"Having the motivation of wanting to help people in a similar situation to my Dad really spurs me on during my training, especially when it's cold, wet and dark. It'll be very emotional running in memory of Dad, but I know he would be so proud."

Mark has an online fundraising page where donations can be made, at www.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkSmithCheltenham 

Mark is also organising a coffee morning to help raise sponsorship at The Pavillion in Hatherley, Cheltenham, on Saturday 10th March, from 10am-12pm.

"Who doesn't like eating cake and drinking coffee or hot chocolate?! All are welcome to come along, take part in the raffle, find out more about the work of Anthony Nolan, and help in the fight against cancer."