Engineer Ian Watkins from Crossways, Chelmsford, had decided after running in the London marathon for the fifth time that enough was enough.

But when he discovered that his sister-in-law had been diagnosed with breast cancer he dusted off his running shoes and put them on again.

Now he has just taken part in the Dublin marathon and hopes to have raised around £1,200 for the Helen Rollason Cancer Care Centre Appeal and cash for other charities.

Ian, 46, of Crossways, Chelmsford, an emergency service engineer for National Grid Transco, said "In 1997 my nephew died from leukaemia at the age of nine ad a half. So, when I heard that his mum was ill I decided I would run in a marathon again.

"I'm a member of Canons health club in Chelmsford and someone there suggested I run in the Dublin marathon.The 26.2 mile course is run largely on the flat and starts and finishes close to the city centre.

"I made it to the finish in three hours, 53 minutes and 59 seconds."

Ian was cheered along the way by his wife, Elaine and daughter Leanne.

Published Tuesday November 18, 2003

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