A KIND-HEARTED son will take on a marathon this weekend in support of his dad who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Gareth Monger, aged 34, of Bury, will run in the Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday to raise awareness of the disease.

He hopes to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK by taking on the 26.2 mile course.

Gareth said: “I decided to run for Prostate Cancer UK because in 2011 my dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer and later in 2014 my mum was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“In 2017, five months after being given the all clear, my dad was diagnosed again, this time with prostate cancer, which he is still undergoing treatment for.

“I have seen first-hand the effect cancer can have on families, so I decided it was time to step up, raise awareness and help others who are also affected.”

Gareth will run in blue and black to represent the charity and show support for his dad, Les Monger, in his battle with cancer.

The money raised will go towards diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the disease that kills one man every 45 minutes.

James Beeby, director of fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted that Gareth will be part of our team this year, raising vital funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

“Our amazing cast of runners from across the UK show a brilliant demonstration of Men United: people joining one team to fight a common opposition – prostate cancer.

“For the first time, the number of men dying from prostate cancer every year has overtaken the number of women dying from breast cancer, making prostate cancer the third biggest cancer killer in the UK.

“We need to turn the game around for men and make prostate cancer a disease that the next generation of men do not fear. We thank Gareth for joining the fight and wish them every success in the marathon.”

To sponsor Gareth call 07921175325 or visit justgiving.com/fundraising/garethmonger online.