A FORMER runner who has now been living with cancer for a decade is taking on a walking challenge with friends to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Marcus Evans, 40, who was born in Halstead and now lives in Witham, is part of a group of close to 40 people who will be aiming to collectively walk 4,010 miles in June.

Mr Evans was diagnosed with cancer back in 2010.

He said: “I used to be an avid runner, but I was getting to six miles and was getting tired, which was unusual.

“So, I went for a blood test and the doctors told me my white blood cell count was too high and that I had blood cancer.

“I was given a 50 per cent survival rate after ten years, and was put on watch and wait, where they monitor you for several years.

“I did a lot of things to do and to celebrate five years, we did a 24-hour charity walk.

“After eight years I needed chemo which took me out for ten months.

“Luckily it put it in remission and knocked it back to where it was when I was when I was first diagnosed.”

Braintree and Witham Times: REST AND RECOVER: A pal gives Marcus a helping hand stretching during their last charity walk five years agoREST AND RECOVER: A pal gives Marcus a helping hand stretching during their last charity walk five years ago (Image: N/A)

The charity walk next month is to not only celebrate Marcus’ tenth year of survival but to raise money for Blood Cancer UK.

Marcus said: “I turned 40 this year, and have been living with cancer for ten years, so decided to ask friends to take on the challenge of walking 4,010 miles in June.

“So, myself and a group of friends, which currently stands at 36 but we are hoping to get to 40, will be doing it together.

“Each one of us will aim for about 100 miles and the goal is to raise £4,010.

“We will be doing daily walks and totalling it all up, seeing how far away from Essex we can get virtually.

“It will be great to raise money for Blood Cancer UK, who not only help people but research too.

“Also, the communal feel is lovely, to have my friends all showing their support is really nice.”

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For more information on Blood Cancer UK, visit HERE.