Ben completing the marathon and being greeted by his daughter

A Preston man battling cancer has completed his penultimate marathon in his six runs in six months challenge.

Ben Ashworth did the Ise of Man marathon in 4 hours and 53 minutes, smashing his personal best.

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The father-of-three from Broadgate has been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer but is determined to fight the disease and raise money for charity.

He said: “It’s amazing what a little training can do. I’ve struggled lots in previous marathons, but I was able to train hard this time and it’s paid off. I’m tired even two days later, but it was worth it!

“It was a challenging course with plenty of undulation, but it felt great. I ran at a pace that felt good and natural, but it was 4-5 minutes a mile faster than my regular marathon pace. I worried I’d about burn out if I carried on at that rate.

“I shouldn’t have worried, because I even ran the second half quicker than the first, which has never happened before. The conditions were very wet and windy, caused by Hurricane Bertha, but it was perfect. It felt great running in the downpour. Preferable to running in 31 degree heat like in Northampton two weeks go. What a range of conditions I’ve raced in lately.

“Thanks to everyone that’s believed in me, got in touch, donated, messaged, liked, favourited, tweeted, retweeted and shared. I couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks so much.”

Ben is now preparing for his final challenge, the Berlin marathon in September.

He has raised £9,402 towards his £10,000 target.

You can follow his running on his blog and on Twitter.

And donations can be made to Ben’s total raised for CLIC Sargent, Beating Bowel Cancer, Macmillan and Rosemere Cancer Care.