FOUR years after being diagnosed with cancerous brain tumours, an East Yorkshire man is preparing to take part in the York 10km race.

Jonathan Tiplady, 24, was diagnosed with cancer when he was in his second year at university studying law.

He was told that his chances of surviving the cancer were 20 per cent and, at the peak of his illness, his weight dropped to four stone.

But following radio and chemotherapy doctors have said they can no longer see the tumours and Jonathan, now around ten stone, has regained much of his health and hopes to learn to walk again.

He is taking part in a series of races, including Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in York with the hope of giving something back to Martin House Hospice in Boston Spa, which has supported him throughout his illness. Helen, Jonathan’s mum, said: “I would definitely encourage people to cheer along the route. If people having nothing planned they should get along there.

“I have found his attitude inspiring – it’s absolutely amazing. He does have his down days but he says you cannot let the cancer take you over, you have to carry on. His life as taken a different route, maybe not the one he planned originally. His sense of humour is remarkable – often it’s that that keeps us going.”

Jonathan uses a wheelchair because a 17-month spell in hospital has affected his tendons and his short-term memory has been affected by his treatment.

He recently took a few steps with the help of a walking frame but may need an operation on his legs to help improve his mobility. Jonathan took part in the Jane Tomlinson Leeds 10k event at the weekend and he will take part in the York event on July 31 and a half-marathon in London in September.

The former Hull University student hopes to be joined by his friend and sports physiotherapist Ian Morgan and sister Jennifer for the York race.

Jonathan, from Howden, said: “My shoulders are hurting after the weekend. Going uphill is quite difficult but it was good fun.

“I have been to Martin House quite a lot. I have been cared for and looked after there and you want to be there for other people so they can provide that care for them.”

As well as Martin House, a proportion of the money raised is also going towards Candlelighters, a Yorkshire-based charity which supports children with cancer as well as conducting research into the disease.