A WREXHAM man who battled a life-changing illness aims to give back to charity.

Anthony Bagnall was diagnosed with skin cancer eight months ago and now he has been given the all clear, he intends to complete four events to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

He will be taking part in the Village Bakery half marathon, then the Chester 10k, Everest and the Chester Half Marathon, all in the space of four months.

He told the Leader: “I had cancer 8 months ago and I wanted to try and put something back into Cancer Research UK. I wanted to do Everest then I decided to put myself to the test even more.

“It knocks you about when you find out you have cancer.

“It’s a bit hard and strenuous because I’m not used to it, but I’ve got to get back into running. I put on two stone from when I was diagnosed with cancer and this challenge is a good way to get rid of that.

“Everest will be the hardest challenge because I’m also scared of heights.”

Anthony is a taxi driver for Apollo Taxis and said he spends most of the day sitting down, so this will be a challenge for him.

However, he is training with Wrexham Thai Boxing and Army Fit.

He added: “I know quite a lot of people who have had cancer, it’s on the ripe

“My world went upside down. It’s unbelievable. You think oh it’s only skin cancer, but it knocks you for six.

“Now it’s about trying to get back to normal, get back into things and give something back to charity.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so via his Facebook Page.