Hurst resident James Taylor has found himself training for his second marathon, having never imagined he would take it on again after completing the Brighton Marathon back in 2014.

However, he made the decision to challenge himself after his daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer last year. Amelia Taylor was about to start the final year at university in Bournemouth when she was told she had Synovial Sarcoma – which is often associated with young adults. Fortunately her cancer was low-grade and she’s now coming through all the treatment – which meant going up to London’s Royal Marsden hospital every day for five weeks.

“It is ‘off the scale’ scary to hear news that your child has cancer,” James commented, “but she’s received the best support and we’re obviously thrilled she’s now coming out the other side.”

James is running the London Marathon later this month for Sarcoma UK and has already raised more than £2,000. James has also received a generous donation from Paul Wilkinson’s Christmas Tree collection in the village.

His training regime started back in November and he’s making good progress. “Having done one before,” he said, “I do feel better prepared as I know what’s coming.”

If you wish to support James and Sarcoma UK you can do so online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/James-Taylor165