A CINDERFORD man who survived stomach cancer is halfway through a gruelling challenge to run 12 ultra marathons in support of three charities close to his heart.

Andy Lee, a former Royal Marine who served for 16 years, was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2014 and underwent life-changing surgery the following year to remove a 122cm tumour.

The operation involved taking out half of his stomach, most of his diaphragm, and several other organs.

Now 10 years on, Mr Lee is running more than 850km across the UK to raise money for three organisations that helped him through his recovery.

On Saturday, July 29, he completed his sixth ultra marathon, a 35-mile route around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, which doubled as a scenic tour of the area.

Speaking about the challenge, he said: “Having cancer is the most positive experience I have and will ever have.

“Running the 12 ultras is my way of paying back and saying thank you to three amazing organisations who do so much to help so many. I hope that what I am doing will also help to inspire others or give them hope that cancer can be beaten, adversities can be overcome and that there is always hope.”

Mr Lee chose to undergo surgery without chemotherapy or radiotherapy, a decision he said not many would opt for, but one that worked for him.

He is raising money for Amy and Friends, which supports people affected by genetic conditions including Cockayne Syndrome; the UTS Foundation, which promotes health and recovery through fitness; and the Royal Marines Charity.

His remaining ultra marathons include the Wirral Wander (57 miles), a quad ascent of Snowdon known as the Snowdon Wheel, the 76-mile Slate Trail, and the 54-mile Double Welsh 3,000, which includes 7,600 metres of ascent. He will finish with the GB Snowdon Ultra.