Marathon man Len Jones, who lost three wives to cancer, has retired from running after raising thousands for charities which battle the disease.

The 84-year-old will be made an MBE for his fund-raising efforts when he meets the Queen at Buckingham Palace next month.

He will run his last marathon on Sunday when he takes part in the Great North Run in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

An Essex businessman has already pledged £1,000 towards Len's final total.

Len, of Aldwick Gardens, Bognor, said: "This one is going to be my swansong."

He has taken part in 70 marathons and other events in memory of his wives Muriel, Jean and Monica.

His first wife Muriel died in 1966 after 26 years of marriage. Four years later he married Jean but she died in 1980. The following year Len wed Monica, who died in 1990.

He was made an MBE in the Birthday Honours list earlier this year.

He has also been a team member for three runs between Land's End and John o'Groats.

After being made an MBE, Len, a retired engineer, said: "I want to dedicate the medal to the memory of three truly wonderful women."

Now he is looking for sponsors for the last time and is looking forward to meeting the Queen on November 24.

He said: "I certainly have a lot to tell her about and I am looking forward to going to Buckingham Palace very much."

Len, who has been running for charity for the past 18 years, said: "The Great North Run will be my last. But I do have one sincere wish for the near future.

"I would like the National Lottery to put cancer patients and all those who cannot help themselves on the top of their list."