A RUNNER diagnosed with testicular cancer is taking part in a marathon this weekend to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Richard Sleight, of Headington, was given the "terrifying" news he had cancer just before Christmas and underwent surgery on December 30.

The 36-year-old is now clear of the disease and determined to show his appreciation to the Macmillan nurses by joining in the Paris Marathon on Sunday (April 12).

Mr Sleight said: "These last few months have been challenging.

"The word 'cancer' was terrifying when I first heard it and if felt odd going for an operation when I felt fit and healthy.

"I feel lucky because the cancer was identified early, first by myself and then by my doctor, and my treatment on the NHS was amazing."

Mr Sleight was prompted to check himself after a relative carried out some fundraising to raise awareness of the testicular cancer.

He said: "They described how to check yourself and I did. There was a change in the way my testicle felt and I thought I would go and get it checked before Christmas so I didn't have to worry about it and everything happened very fast after that."

Within eight days Mr Sleight had seen a consultant, been diagnosed and had surgery.

He said: "The likelihood of survival is very high with testicular cancer when caught early so it is extremely important for guys to check for any changes, not just lumps."

He added: "I don't know how long I would have to live if I was not lucky enough to have access to the NHS cancer screening and treatment."

Mr Sleight, a volunteer co-ordinator for the Green Party, has several half marathons under his belt but the Marathon de Paris, which he signed up to before his cancer diagnosis, is to be his first 26.2 mile run.

He decided to use his place to raise money for Macmillan and PHASE Worldwide, which helps improve health, education and living standards for people in Himalayan villages.

Mr Sleight will not be able to run the full course but he aims to cover as much of the route as possible while taking in sites such as the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.

He said: "It was a big motivating factor that I would still be able to do it, or at least start it and then I thought I would make it into a fundraising opportunity.

"I'm fundraising for Macmillan as I'm very grateful for the support given to me by the nurses in hospital and those nurses answering my many questions on the Macmillan helpline."

Mr Sleight's fundraising page