GILBERT Harrap, originally from Bentley and now living in London, will be taking on the Berlin Marathon this Sunday in memory of his father who sadly died last year from prostate cancer.

Last year Gilbert took on the Marathon De Sables, a seven day, 250km marathon through the Sahara Desert. He enjoyed the challenge and has been inspired to take part in a city marathon to soak up the atmosphere.

Gilbert’s dad Giles was diagnosed with prostate cancer nine years ago. Sadly, his cancer progressed and he died last year, but prior to his death Gilbert said his dad was thankful for the great progress in cancer research, and the care he received, for helping him live with prostate cancer for eight years.

It has been a bucket list achievement for Gilbert to run the Berlin Marathon and on September 16 he will be making this dream come true.

He will be raising funds for The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London. Gilbert has already raised over £260 for the charity. With race day still to come, he hopes to raise even more.

Gilbert’s fantastic effort in running the Berlin Marathon will directly support the ICR’s scientists and clinicians, who are working every day to make the discoveries that will defeat cancer.

The ICR has been carrying out world-leading research into the causes of cancer, and how it might be treated or prevented, for more than 100 years.

Researchers at the ICR discovered the breakthrough drug abiraterone, which has extended the lives of hundreds of thousands of men with prostate cancer around the world, and was recently celebrated as one of the greatest research achievements in the 70 year history of the NHS by the National Institute for Health Research.

Gilbert said: “My dad always used to say to me that he believed his life had been extended thanks to the fantastic treatments and care that were available to him over the eight years he was ill with prostate cancer. This is why I wanted to give back and fundraise for The Institute of Cancer Research. It is a fantastic charity to fundraise for and is doing some of the best cancer research in the world.

“I really enjoyed the Marathon Des Sables, but since then I have really wanted to do an urban marathon where I will be able to test my running. I am confident about race day and going for a personal best!”

Lannah Carbonilla, head of supporter engagement at ICR, said: “We’re enormously grateful for the support of Gilbert and all of our other Team ICR runners. It is amazing to see the journeys that led them to take part in the Berlin Marathon, and we wish them the very best of luck for the big day.”

Professor Paul Workman, ICR chief executive, added: “The support from our fundraisers is vital for our work to identify cancer genes, discover cancer drugs and develop new high-tech treatments.

“It is really motivating for me and all of our researchers to see the hard work and dedication of supporters like Gilbert. With their support, we can continue to make a real impact on cancer patients’ lives.”

“As a research institute and a charity, the ICR relies on the generosity of people like Gilbert and the other runners in #teamICR to raise the funds needed to make the discoveries that defeat cancer.”

Giles has to-date raised more than £600 of his £1,000 target. Anyone wishing to support Gilbert and donate to his cause can do so online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gilbert-harrap1.