RUNNER Simon McConville has been inspired to take part in the Wilmslow Running Festival by his stepfather’s courageous cancer battle.

Simon, 26, is taking on a 10k run for the first time because of the compassion, care and hope his stepfather Peter Hinds has received from The Christie.

Simon is aiming to raise £500 for The Christie charity at the Running Festival on March 15.

Peter, 51, had already planned his own funeral and cashed in his pension after being diagnosed with inoperable intestinal cancer in January 2018.

He was told he might have less than six months to live, but two years on is stable following treatment at The Christie.

Worried that his wife Maxine would be unable to pay their mortgage, Peter cashed in his pension and arranged for his own funeral.

He said: “I arranged to have the plot next to my sister in the local crematorium. It makes it a little bit easier for your loved ones if the funeral is already arranged.”

Peter asked for a referral to The Christie for a second opinion, and after being admitted in April 2018 began chemotherapy treatment.

By November of that year the tumour had shrunk enough to be considered for a pancreaticoduodenectomy or Whipple procedure at a neighbouring hospital.

By December 2019 Peter’s tumour marker count was down to 64 from 900, and there had been no cancer growth since the previous scan. Peter currently feels well and has no other health concerns.

Peter said: “Everyone I’ve met at The Christie has been so positive. They have gone out of their way to support me and my wife. I owe my life to them.”

Simon said: “I’m taking part in my first ever 10k running event to raise money for The Christie because of the treatment my family have received over the past few years.

“The Christie gave Peter and my mum hope. The care and compassion they have given to Peter and the whole of our family has been exceptional.

“This is my way to say thank you to The Christie for everything the hospital has done.”

All funds raised by The Christie charity from the Wilmslow Running Festival event will go towards The Christie’s plans for a £26 million cancer centre in Macclesfield.

The Christie at Macclesfield will bring together essential cancer services into one place, including a wider range of clinical trials.

Work on the centre is expected to begin in May, with the aim of opening during autumn 2021. To support Simon click here