AFTER years of running races for cancer charities for fun, driving instructor Bryan Mitchell is now tackling the Blenheim 10k race as a survivor – after colon cancer almost stopped him dead in his tracks.

Mr Mitchell, 65, from Stonesfield, near Woodstock, will join 1,400 other runners for the eighth Cancer Research UK Run 10k at Blenheim Palace on Sunday, September 26.

And he knows how lucky he will be to be there.

He first became concerned about his health in 2006 when his bowel habits changed and he had bouts of feeling hot and cold.

His parents had both died from bowel cancer. Mr Mitchell admitted that while he should have had himself checked out straight away, it wasn’t until his wife Marilyn nagged him into going, that he actually went to see his GP.

He said: “The symptoms I was suffering were due to my colon being continually punctured by a tumour and an abscess, which had connected itself to my bladder and kept bursting and reforming.”

Subsequent tests at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford confirmed Mr Mitchell’s worst fears — he had bowel cancer.

He underwent surgery in December the same year, followed by chemotherapy. Then came twelve months of waiting and hoping.

But the symptoms returned and tests found another tumour.

Another operation in August 2008 was followed by radiotherapy.

Subsequent check-ups have confirmed he is now cancer free.

Mr Mitchell said: “I would urge other people not to delay. Anyone who has unusual symptoms should get them checked out as soon as possible.

“Don’t be shy and don’t waste time worrying about it, like I did.”

He added: “I missed the Cancer Research UK 10k Run at Blenheim two years ago, because I was recovering from surgery, but I took part last year, this time as a survivor.

“I used to be inspired by other people’s back signs describing why they were there.

Now I have my own which states: “I had cancer of the colon – in remission at the moment.”

“Runners who go past say ‘Well done’ and ‘Keep going’. Some shake my hand and I find that very moving.”

He added: “I hope other men and women will run the 10k with me this year to beat cancer, by raising money to support the charity’s work.”

Last year, 1,400 men and women helped to raise £90,435 through the Blenheim run. This year Cancer Research UK hopes to attract 2,500 runners to help it hit a fundraising target of £160,000.

Volunteers are also needed to help stage the run. Event manager Becky Ryczowski said: “Our volunteers play a crucial role. Without them the event simply wouldn’t happen. Everyone is welcome.

“They will be making a big difference to people affected by cancer.”

For details of how to take part in the Blenheim Palace 10k Run or to offer to help as a volunteer see run10k.org