A FORMER soldier who won his battle against cancer is in training to run the London Marathon.

Keith Purssord, 43, of Rolls Park Road, in Chingford, was told by doctors he had just five years to live – but five years later he has been given the all clear and is getting ready to undertake the massive challenge.

The dad-of-two said: “I don't smoke or drink and was in the territorial army for 15 years, so to get told I had cancer was devastating. I underwent major operations, had treatment and they gave me five years to live.

“The last five years were hell. But with love, help and care from my family and friends I have made a near full recovery. Now I want to run to show that we can bounce back and there is life after an illness.”

It is not the first time the former soldier has run the marathon, as he ran it shortly before he was diagnosed with cancer in memory of his godson, Alex, who died of Leukaemia aged just six months old.

Last time Mr Purssord raised £2,500 for Children with Leukaemia and he hopes to raise lots more funds for the charity this year, and to make his wife Tracey and sons George, aged ten, and Albert, seven, proud.

To sponsor Keith, visit: www.bmycharity.com/keithp

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter