A HEREFORD builders’ merchant is set to go the extra yard by running his own self-designed half marathon to fundraise for the charity that helped him in his battle against illness.

Steve Collins, yard supervisor at Gibbs & Dandy Hereford, is to run the half-marathon route this September, to fundraise for Prostate Cancer UK, the support charity that helped him following his diagnosis.

Despite undergoing major surgery, Steve was determined to get back to work as quickly as possible and even took customer orders from home during his six-week recovery period.

The positive spirit he displayed during his recovery has continued apace, culminating in the avid runner’s plan to put on his running shoes again and complete the half marathon -created from previous favourite training runs in Herefordshire - on September 16

Steve said: “I am extremely thankful for the support I received during my illness and wanted to give something back by raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and helping those fighting the disease like myself.

“It was a real shock to hear that I needed to undergo immediate and major surgery. I was off work for six weeks which was a very boring period - I can’t sit still for long and need to be busy.

“So I asked to make phone calls to our customers from home, which really helped me in my recovery.

“I used to complete around four to five runs a week ranging from five to 13 miles. However, that was about 15 years ago, so I’ve decided it’s time to get out there again and start training.

“It’s quite a challenge, but one that I’m looking forward to taking on.”

Steve is also participating in a clinical trial in the UK for the next 5 years which will evaluate how aspirin can stop the return of the disease and has been undertaking the trial for the past year.

To donate to Steve’s fundraising page, visit www.gofundme.com/half-marathon-for-prostate-cancer.