A year ago Andy King was feeling on top of the world after winning the Stornoway half marathon and picking up the North of Scotland title.
He will take part in the Western Isles race again tomorrow but under hugely different circumstances.
Not long after his victory last May, the 48-year-old Stornoway Running club member discovered a lump on his right leg had developed into a cancerous tumour. He then underwent major surgery and extensive treatment in a bid to control the spread of the disease, but is not out of the woods yet.
Mr King has responded positively, however, and is determined his misfortune will not prevent him from continuing to participate in sport.
He said: “I had noticed for some time that during races my stride length was deteriorating and although I was feeling fine it seemed to keep getting worse.
“I represented the Western Isles in the International Island Games in Bermuda last July and, although I had plenty of energy, I just couldn’t stride out properly.
“I had been aware of the lump and when I got it checked I was told I had a cancerous tumour. I had a massive operation to cut out a huge area of muscle from just above my knee to under my stomach.
“I was in a wheelchair afterwards but I’m up and about again. People told me I’d never be able to run again, but I’m determined to get back.
“I’ve hardly been able to do any running so far, but I’ve been walking and cycling and I am going to do the half marathon whatever happens. I am not going to let this defeat me.
“Hopefully, by doing the half marathon, I might inspire others who have cancer to realise just what can be done if they remain positive.
“I am determined to get back into my sport and I have an aim to be competing for the Western Isles again in next year’s Island Games.”
Andy is running to raise funds for the Beatson cancer charity. Anyone wishing to support him can do so at www.justgiving/andrew-king16