A MAN who was diagnosed with cancer last year is set to take on a marathon challenge.

Dave Smith, of Aislaby, near Whitby, said he felt stronger than ever ahead of the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon, which takes place around York on Sunday, October 12.

The 66-year-old, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September last year, will run the 26.2-mile course to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Since undergoing treatment in January at St James University Hospital in Leeds, his first test in March this year came back clear.

He is now awaiting the results of his second test.

Mr Smith, who ran three London marathons during the 1980s with a personal best time of three hours 36 minutes, is hoping to complete the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon in about four and a half hours.

He said: “The treatment I had was extremely tough but it went very well.

"I am feeling great at the moment though and if I wasn’t I wouldn’t be able to run the marathon.

“Training has been going well so far and I am now up to 21 miles and I have still got about four weeks of running left.

"I am very much looking forward to it now and just hope to remain injury free.”

He has already exceeded his £400 fundraising target.

To sponsor Mr Smith, visit justgiving.com/George-Smith16