A retired engineer completed an ultra-marathon to raise money for two cancer charities - and took a step back in time into the bargain.

Mark Hillyard, 64, was inspired to take up the 52.2km challenge after watching his brother and sister battle the disease and seeing how his daughters were affected when their nan passed away from breast cancer.

On Saturday (May 4) he completed the Race for Life at Lydiard Park with his daughter and her friend, followed by the old Swindon People’s Marathon route, with the money split between Cancer Research UK and Brainstorm – both focusing on research and treatments. 

Mark said: “It was a brilliant day. The weather was with me, there were supporters on the route, which was fantastic, and my family and friends gave me so much support to get round.

“There were over 20 people at different parts of the route walking and running with me. My daughters were there ferrying food and drink stations around the route and my wonderful wife has also been very patient with me over recent months during my training. So overall it was an emotional day.  

Mark and his close friends – one of whom was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer last year - completed the Swindon People’s Marathon in 1988 dressed as doctors and nurses, fundraising for the baby unit at Princess Margaret Hospital.

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He completed all six of the Swindon People's Marathons in the 1980s and decided to replicate the theme by wearing a surgeon costume ‘in recognition of all the brilliant work doctors and surgeons do.’

“It was nice to run the route again and the costume meant people could spot me along the route, so they kept coming up to me and they were extremely supportive. Some of them were even giving me cash and the donations have been great, so I would like to say thank you to all of them.”

He was preparing for the marathon for six months, but he had the additional challenge of a reoccurring injury, which limited the amount of training he could do.

“I had to walk some of the route, but it wasn’t about the time I achieved, it was about getting round and not letting down the people who had supported me,” he explained.

“At 64 it was a big physical and mental challenge, but I’m always up for doing something that will help out somewhere. I think I’ll have a break for now but never say never.”