A BUSINESSMAN from Bradford who had his stomach removed to prevent cancer will tackle the London Marathon on Sunday.

Dan Taylor underwent a six-hour operation in June 2012 after discovering in 2011 that he carried the mutant CDH1/HDGC gene that meant he had an 80 per cent chance of developing aggressive stomach cancer, and that endoscopies to keep an eye on him could easily miss the cancer if it was there.

Mr Taylor, who is raising money for Cancer Research UK, later found out that he did have the early stages of the disease.

Mr Taylor, who grew up in Low Moor, went to Tong School, and now lives in York, said: “I had always wanted to run a marathon, but thought I had probably missed my chance, since after the operation I couldn’t imagine myself ever being in good enough shape. But a year after the surgery I started exercising, and gradually began to feel I might be able to manage longer runs.

“Ever since my operation I have been working with the Cancer Research UK team looking into CDH1/HDGC at Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge.

“Stomach cancer caused by this mutation is so rare that it doesn’t attract the funding of cancers which affect thousands rather than tens or hundreds, but as the father of two little girls - Abigail is now nine, and Edith is five - who may one day find they are carriers themselves, it is important to me, which is why I am running the London Marathon to support Cancer Research UK.”

Another man from the Bradford district who is doing the London Marathon - and attempting a world record at the same time - is Andy Sharpe.

The 29-year-old, of Ilkley, will be part of a team trying to set a world best for ‘the fastest marathon in a five-person costume’.

The team - from across the UK - is dressing up as the Scooby Doo gang and carrying the Mystery Machine around the 26.2-mile course in aid of cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Mr Sharpe, who will dress as Shaggy, said: “Three members of our Mystery Gang have lost loved ones to cancer. They are three of the kindest hearted and most inspirational people I have ever met in my life.

“Despite the sheer heartbreak which they have to live with every day, they continue to spread happiness and positivity into other people’s lives.

“As a team we are running in memory of these three truly beautiful souls that were lost, Tanyel, Guy and Rob. They are my motivation on the London Marathon day if I feel like I’m struggling a bit through the race.

“CLIC Sargent is an incredible charity and our Guinness World Record attempt will hopefully play a significant part in promoting the brand even further, helping to raise more vital funds for children and young people with cancer. I know the charity makes a real difference to families who need support at such a hard time, and thinking of that will get me to the finish line.”

To sponsor Mr Taylor visit www.rundan.uk or text DANT56 followed by your amount to 70070. To sponsor Mr Sharpe, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ClicMysteryMachine.