RAYLEIGH cancer survivor Keith Passingham is this week in the running to receive an award from a prestigious running magazine for his inspirational recovery.

Passingham, pictured right, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2000.

Having been a runner for 25 years, and generally in good health, the prognosis came as a shock to the 56-year-old.

His recovery was arduous, encompassing two major operations and months of chemotherapy.

He was finally given the all clear in 2006, although he still has to undergo yearly check-ups.

Despite the restrictions of the illness Passingham was keen not to let it stop him running.

And this Sunday, he will show his bravery by running the Flora London Marathon.

"Once I got over the effects of the chemotherapy I got back on the treadmill to begin with," he said. "As I got into shape I started running for longer again."

An experienced athlete, it was not long before Passingham became part of an informal running group for people of all abilities.

Passingham proved a source of inspiration to the developing runners, with one woman who had previously only run up to three miles improving enough to make the jump to the marathon distance.

Last month he found out that his running mates had nominated him for Runners World magazine's prestigious Heroes of Running award.

The ceremony takes place this evening at south London's Imperial War Museum and Passingham has still to get over the thrill of his nomination.

"I felt so surprised," he said. "The fact people think I've helped them is quite humbling in its way. I felt quite thrilled."

Passingham is running his sixth London Marathon this weekend. The science teacher at Brittons School and Technology College in Havering ran it four times prior to his cancer diagnosis and once since two years ago.

"I've got slower over the years," admits Passingham. "But I hope to do it in four and a quarter hours. If I get it in four hours I'll be chuffed!"

Passingham is running for Havens Hospices. Anyone wishing to sponsor him can visit www.justgiving.com/keithpassingham.