A Ramsey father who three years ago was unable to walk or talk after ­treatment for a brain tumour is preparing to run a half-marathon.

Gavin Alemanno’s world and that of his family was rocked when they were told the news.

Two years later, the family learned his aunt, Crissy Holmes, of Whittlesey, was also suffering from a brain tumour.

However, Crissy’s tumour was incurable and she died in November.

Gavin, 34, however, recovered, having spent more than a month in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, after a 21-hour operation.

Now the father-of-two is training for Sunday’s Perkins Great Eastern Run in Peterborough.

Gavin, of High Street is raising money for the Brain Tumour Charity – and wants to complete the course within two hours.

He said: “Myself and my family have really been through some hard times since my diagnosis and surgery, but I am thankful I am still alive and really want to try to raise money for a charity that means so much to us.

“Three years ago I couldn’t even walk, and I’m taking on this huge challenge and doing it in Aunt Crissy’s memory, too.”

Peterborough-based developer Linden Homes, which heard about Gavin’s challenge from sales executive Iris Bailey, has agreed to sponsor Gavin and match his initial fundraising target of £200.

Ms Cailey, who is based at Linden Homes’ Yes! development in St Ives and who lives in Ramsey, is Gavin’s former mother-in-law.

She said: “Gavin has made a remarkable recovery in a relatively short time and we are all very proud of him.

“He is a very determined person and I am thrilled that Linden Homes is backing his amazing efforts.”

INFORMATION: To support Gavin visit www.justgiving.com/Gavin-Alemanno.