A former regional daily journalist who beat a rare form of cancer is set to run a half-marathon to thank those who helped him through his illness.

Ben Payne, who used to work at the South Wales Argus, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013 and had to have a major operation to remove residual tissue as well as areas the tumour had grown into, including the nerve to his diaphragm, a bag around his heart and sections of his lung.

Ben, 40, now lives in Birmingham and works as a PR manager for the Big Lottery Fund.

He will run the Belfast Half Marathon on 18 September to highlight the work done by staff at Birmingham’s QE Hospital, and will be raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Said Ben, pictured above left during treatment, of his illness and recovery: “Being told that news is one of most people’s greatest fears.

“My wife and my boy were with me and I can’t begin to describe how it felt hearing the news and looking into their eyes knowing what lay ahead.

“There is no other way to describe it than living in a horror movie which started with my diagnosis and ended with the operation,”

To sponsor Ben, click here.