WHEN a lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan found out he had a malignant brain tumour in March last year, his life was turned upside down.

But one year on Gareth Dunn is set to run the London Marathon on Sunday.

The 40-year-old father-of-two, originally from Stoneclough but now living in Whittle-le-Woods, Chorley, was dropping off his son at school when he felt light-headed.

Later that day he had a seizure at work and was taken to hospital where an MRI scan revealed the tumour.

He said: “Finding out you have cancer is impossible to describe — there are so many emotions going on in your head and all kinds of questions.

“I wanted to know if I was going to die. How long had I got? Could it be treated? And then I started to think about family and friends.”

Since receiving the news, Mr Dunn has had major brain surgery, six weeks of radiotherapy as well as beingmade redundant from his job as a marketing manager.

However, his tumour is now under control.

While others in this situation may feel they need a rest, Mr Dunn decided to do the opposite and signed up for the London marathon.

Already a keen runner, the family man will be taking part in the 26-mile race on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Dunn said: “I want to raise as much money as I can, not because people feel sorry for me or think I’m doing something remarkable, but because there are thousands of people out there who need help to get them through their illness. Nobody deserves to be ill — some people are just unlucky.”

Tomorrow, Mr Dunn will join 30,000 others hoping to complete the famous race.

Anyone wanting to sponsor him should visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Gareth -Dunn. To read more go online to eachdayasitcomesgd.blog spot.co.uk.