A MAN from Haywards Heath is running the Brighton Marathon to raise money for Macmillan in memory of his dad who died of lung cancer last year.

Barry Fisher, a postman for nearly 30 years before he had to retire, also raised funds for the charity after his mother-in-law was supported by Macmillan nurses after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Now Harry Fisher, 28, is keeping up the family tradition by taking part in his third marathon to support Macmillan, as his nan was “helped so much” by the nurses.

Harry, who works at Pioneer Childcare in Haywards Heath, spoke movingly of his father.

He said: “Dad was one of a kind – caring, loving, supportive and funny, and lived life to the absolute full. Everyone who met him loved being around his warm, gentle nature.

“I always said to dad I would love to finish with a time of three hours 45 minutes, so that’s what I hope to do!

“It will be the hardest race of my life but I know my dad will be with me every step of the way.

“After dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, he was told he didn’t have long. But he lived for another five years, and always had a smile on his face.”

One of the events Barry took part in to raise money was the Birdman of Bognor, which sees people attempt to fly off the end of the West Sussex town’s pier into the sea for prize money.

Barry used the Thunderbirds as his theme for the challenge, a look Harry hopes to recreate with his race day outfit.

His mum Christine Fisher, who works at Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital, has helped Harry’s fundraising efforts by hosting a murder mystery night.

And staff at the Nuffield, where Barry worked part-time after he retired from the postal service, held a buy and sell event to help Harry’s fundraising.

Money raised from events such as the Brighton Marathon – on April 15 – help to fund and support specialist cancer nurses and other clinical professionals, many of whom work with patients at the Princess Royal Hospital.

Macmillan also provides all-round support and expert information for people affected by cancer in Sussex.