A MAN who had a brain tumour removed two years ago is preparing to run in the London Marathon in April. Adrian Cragg, 52, from Alconbury Weston, is a keen runner, having competed in three Great North Runs and the London half marathon at Silverstone. His

A MAN who had a brain tumour removed two years ago is preparing to run in the London Marathon in April. Adrian Cragg, 52, from Alconbury Weston, is a keen runner, having competed in three Great North Runs and the London half marathon at Silverstone.His decision to run the 26.2 marathon marks a remarkable recovery after going into hospital in March 2004.After five days in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, Mr Cragg was in a hurry to get back onto the track despite having three months of radiotherapy and regular MRI scans.Just before Christmas, he took part in the half marathon in Majorca which he completed in one hour 50 minutes in humid temperatures of 20 degrees.He said: "The London Marathon will be my biggest challenge yet. I will be thrilled if I make it to the finishing line. I am hoping to complete the course in less than four hours."He began training for the London Marathon straight after the race in Majorca on December 11. "I go out there running every day to try to get myself back to full fitness - though I'm not as young as I used to be. I can't believe it has been 20 years since I took part in the 1984 Hunts marathon down at the race course. My training is going well at the moment, though I'm running too fast currently - I need to slow down and pace myself a bit more in time for April."He added: "The weather wasn't too bad in Majorca though I hope it will not be too hot in London, especially after the tragic scenes at last year's Great North Run in Newcastle where four men died in the heat."After previously missing out in the ballot for London for the past three years in a row, Mr Cragg will be running this year in support of the Leonard Cheshire care home in Brampton.INFORMATION: To secure his place in the marathon, Mr Cragg needs to raise £1,350 in sponsorship for the charity on top of the £100 registration fee. He is seeking sponsorship from individuals and businesses. See www.justgiving.com/cragrun