A RUNNER from Wrexham is preparing to take on his 24th London Marathon in support of a cancer charity.

Chris Hall, who first took part in the event in 1989, will join up to 50,000 runners to complete the famous course on Sunday, and hopes to raise £2,000 for North West Cancer Research.

The 58-year-old was inspired to raise money for cancer research after his father passed away from throat cancer more than 30 years ago, at a time when there was no treatment available.

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Having taken on a range of fundraising challenges since 2004, Chris has raised more than £30,000 for the cause to date, and is driven by the promising advances made in cancer treatment over the past three decades.

Originally from Essex, Chris has lived in North Wales since 1996. He said: "I am grateful that I'm still able to use my love of running to raise funds for a cause that is so important to me. I'm incredibly supportive of the research that takes place across the North West so that we can all learn more about cancer and how to treat it.

"I've done lots of training over the summer, which was delayed in July when I caught Covid, and I'm now focused on reducing my running and increasing my rest periods in readiness for the big day.

"I know how painful the run will be, especially when I get passed the twentieth mile, but I will be safe in the knowledge that I am able to give to such an important cause."

Alastair Richards, CEO of North West Cancer Research: "We are in awe of Chris' dedication to supporting our charity and it is fantastic how much effort he continues to put into raising money for cancer research in the North West."

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'We are extremely grateful to Chris for his efforts and the funds raised will be a huge help when it comes to advancing our work across the region and efforts across the region to prevent and treat cancer effectively."

North West Cancer Research is an independent charity dedicated to putting the region's cancer needs first by funding life-saving research and education to tackle the cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. 

• If you would like to support Chris, you can visit his JustGiving page: https://bit.ly/3y3hG4y