A RUNNER will run the London Marathon as a touching tribute to his father.

David Hall 33, from Moreton sadly lost his father Victor Hall after he underwent chemotherapy for prostate cancer.

Mr Hall, the head chef at Whistlers in Chipping Norton, will be part of Prostate Cancer UK’s 180-strong Men United squad wearing the blue and black colours.

He said: "I decided to run for Prostate Cancer UK because of the incredible work they do, pioneering new treatments, funding treatments for patients and offering huge support to the men and there families who face it.

"I originally envisioned the marathon as something to look forward to with my Dad, a distraction from the brutal chemo and a positive book end to a tough journey, however Dad died just a couple of months later.

"The chemo was supposed to give him ten an extra years in an incredibly rare reaction destroyed his lungs and his body became overcome with infection.

"It has been an awful time but I could not think of a greater way to honour my Father’s memory than by running the London Marathon on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK and I could not be more thankful to them for giving me the opportunity."

The marathon takes place on Sunday April 23 and Mr Hall raised £1,600 from a charity Sunday lunch at his restaurant.

James Beeby, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "We’re delighted that David will be part of our Men United team this year, raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

"Our amazing cast of runners from across the UK show a brilliant demonstration of Men United: people joining one team to fight a common opposition, prostate cancer.

"One man every hour dies from prostate cancer; it’s the most common cancer in men, but we want to make prostate cancer a disease that the next generation of men do not fear.

"We thank David for joining the fight and wish him every success in the marathon."

In 2017, it is forecast that 11,000 men will die this year from the disease.

To sponsor Mr Hall, call 07538675502 or visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/davehall-london2017.