A retired army chef from Epsom is running a half marathon for cancer research in memory of his late sister in law.

Selwyn Channon, of Stamford Green, will be running the Great North Run in Newcastle Upon Tyne on September 9 to raise £575 for the Institute of Cancer Research.

The 59-year-old’s sister-in-law Mary DeRycke died from kidney cancer last November, despite initially responding well to treatment.

Mr Channon said: “Mary was a lovely lady. It was a real shock to lose her. All she wanted was to make it another year for her 50th wedding anniversary.

“I have always wanted to run the Great North Run and couldn’t think of a worthier cause to raise money for whilst doing it.”

The former army chef, who sports a long beard, received an anonymous donation pledge of £1,000 on the condition that he races clean-shaven.

Lannah Carbonilla, from The Institute of Cancer Research, said: “We’re enormously grateful for the support of Selwyn and all of our other Team ICR runners.

“It is amazing to see the journeys that led them to take part in the Great North Run, and we wish them the very best of luck for the big day.”

To support Mr Channon’s race, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/selwyn-channon1.