A DAD who underwent life-saving surgery just 10 months ago will be taking part in tomorrow’s Swindon Half Marathon to celebrate his survival.

Paul Gee, who lives in St Andrews Ridge, was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus last year after he had difficulty swallowing food.

The 53-year-old, who works for Thames Water, said: “I have always been fit having taken up running four and half years ago.

“I did the London Marathon in March 2016 representing my running club Slinn Allstars and a coastal endurance challenge in June 2016, running 22 miles and had no signs or symptoms of the disease whatsoever.

“But earlier on during the Bank Holiday in May last year I coughed up my food a couple of times but just dismissed there was anything wrong.

“Thankfully my daughter Shannon, who is 20, persuaded me to see my doctor and saved my life according to my surgeon.”

Paul was immediately referred to the Great Western Hospital and following tests towards the end of June, he was initially told that he had Barrett’s Oesophagus – a condition where the cells of the oesophagus grow abnormally.

However, biopsys taken showed this had developed into cancer of the oesophagus.

The father-of-one added: “After dealing with the initial shock, disbelief and unnerving uncertainty, I knew I would get through this.”

Paul underwent chemotherapy at GWH before having an extensive operation at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, where a tumour measuring three and a half centimetres which was growing into the lining of his oesophagus, was removed.

The operation meant removing a third of his oesophagus and forming half of his stomach muscles to make a new oesophagus.

“I had a few pre-operation tests and was advised not to run some of the time,” Paul said. “But I love running and felt better for it and it and it cleared my head for the forthcoming operation.

“I decided to continue training on the Wiltshire Downs up until the point where I needed to go in for the operation.

“My surgeon and his support team have been so pleased with my progress and I want to show people that there is a future after cancer.”

In January this year Paul was given the all clear and with the support of his wife Jan and the rest of his family and friends, he doesn’t plan to stop there.

He now hopes to inspire others to join him to raise money for his chosen charity – Cancer Research UK.

Paul said: “It became clear to me that cancer really does throw your life into turmoil and exposes all that is truly important in your life. It felt incredible and emotional to be able to run again. My times are now unimportant as I just enjoy the scenery and the company of other runners.”

Paul is also hoping to run the Great North Run and New York Marathon.

To donate, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/paul-gee5