Ben Ashworth with his Berlin Marathon medal

A Preston man’s marathon battle has ended as he crossed the line in Berlin.

Ben Ashworth, who has been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, completed the Berlin Marathon in just under five hours.

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It marks an incredible effort which has seen Ben raise more than £12,500 for bowel cancer charities.

Ashworth, who lives in Broadgate, said: “I have to admit I really wanted to beat my times so far running this last marathon, but I’m tremendously happy to be at this point having run six marathons and raised so much money.

“When I signed up to run the Berlin Marathon all those months ago I didn’t know if I’d be well enough, I’m so lucky to be able to say I’ve run 6 marathons whilst undergoing chemotherapy, most people aren’t able to say that’

“I really want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way, I have been so fortunate to have so many amazing people behind me supporting me. This includes fellow runners who have slowed down to run with me when I was struggling. All the kind people who have sponsored me and my family and friends who have kept me going when I needed a encouragement.”

Ben makes his way towards the finish line

Nearly there, the finish in sight for Ben

His finishing time in Berlin was 4 hours 56 minutes, just three minutes shy of his personal best for a marathon.

It all started in April when Ben completed the Blackpool Marathon.

He went on to run the Winderemere, Wakefield, Northampton and Isle of Man marathons.

Ben with his wife Louise and all his marathon medals

We sat down with him in August as he opened up about his cancer battle and marathon running.

You can donate to Ben’s cause by visiting his Virgin Money Giving page.