WHEN John Matthews beat bowel cancer at the age of 69 he was inspired to put his trainers on for the first time to raise money for charity.

The 72-year-old, who had surgery for bowel cancer four years ago, is stepping out at the London marathon on Sunday for the third time since he overcame the disease.

The grandfather-of-six, of Wootton Bassett, will be running to raise money for deaf children’s charity Delta, because his son, Stephen was born deaf.

John is hoping to beat his personal record of five hours and five minutes on Sunday.

“That is the plan – for a 72-year-old, that’s not bad,” he said.

“I started running because I needed to get fit after the recovery, and soon friends of mine were planning to run the Bristol Half Marathon. I never did sport before, but now I am hooked.

“The cancer, fortunately, was dealt with by surgery and not too much treatment afterwards – thank God it was contained.

“There are important messages to get out: it’s never too late to start to exercise sensibly, and exercise delays the onset of ageing.

“Thank God cancer is increasingly being beaten, and wonderful deaf children can get a great start in life and learn to talk with all the life enhancement that brings with it.”

John has raised about £5,000 for charity since he started running, and has 15 major races under his belt.

He is running for Delta, which helps deaf children to listen and talk, a charity of which he was chairman for four years.

John and his wife, Pat, taught their son, Stephen, to listen and talk, only to find out later that Delta was using the same methods.

“The children are well integrated, with many achieving better grades than their peers,” said John. “It’s a hard time for charities and Delta needs all the help it can get.”

John’s most recent attempt was the Bath Half Marathon four weeks ago to raise money for multiple sclerosis as his daughter was diagnosed with the condition 10 years ago.

“It’s all part of the training,” he said. “I’m getting a bit nervous, I think that’s the big problem.

“Having done it before you just know how hard it is. The last six or eight miles are a real challenge – it really takes a lot of determination.”

To sponsor John, visit www.viginmoneygiving.com/DeltaJohn or visit www.deafeducation.org.uk for more information about Delta.