Newport mayor, John Edwards, is running in today's London Marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The cause is close to Mayor Edwards’ heart; he lost his mother in 1989 and his wife in 2007, both to pancreatic cancer.

“I know only too well how cancer affects us all,” he said. “After more than a year of visits to hospital cancer wards, I saw many people courageously face their own battles with this disease.

“The support of relatives, friends and hospital staff is so vitally important.

“We all hope that soon scientific research will provide us with the answers that will combat cancer with complete success. Meanwhile, all we can do is keep on raising the funds so this vital research can continue.

“Many members of our families, and some of our close friends have been affected by cancer. Some have won the fight, some are still battling with the disease and recently some have lost the fight. I want to show my respect to them all by raising as much money as possible.”

The 66-year-old marathon mayor has been training hard in the run up to the event.

“It’s a challenge but there’s an improvement each week, that’s for sure,” he said. “To run a marathon is a gruelling challenge but it is nothing in comparison with those that face the daily mental and physical challenges of cancer.”

John is hoping to raise £3,000 for Cancer Research UK. There are sponsor forms in Newport surgery and Newport’s Royal Oak. You can also donate by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving and putting John Edwards in the search box.