THE Daily Echo saved my life. That's the belief of Peter Swift, who has recovered from life-threatening prostate cancer in time to take up the challenge of this year's Flora London Marathon in aid of fellow sufferers.

And Peter, pictured left preparing for the run, puts it down to reading an article highlighting symptoms of the disease in the Daily Echo, which prompted him to visit his doctor.

The 52-year-old, of Marken Close in Sarisbury, has now been in remission for four years following a life-saving operation and is currently in training for the 26.2 mile course.

He hopes to raise more than £2,000 to fund research by the Prostate Cancer Charity.

He said: "Without reading that initial article in the Daily Echo, I would not have acted so promptly and the tumour would not have been caught so early."

Peter is one of a number of people across the region who are raising thousands of pounds for charity by putting on their trainers.

Among them is Fawley power station worker Gabriel Connelly, 56, from Hamble, who will be supporting the Daily Echo-backed Macmillan Cancer Relief South Hampshire Appeal.

Money he raises will help fund a £1m cancer information and support centre, due to open its doors at Southampton General Hospital shortly.

Long-distance runner Clive Hearn, of Chandler's Ford, is set to clinch a hat-trick of marathons in what will probably be the most exhausting 15 days of his life.

Father of two Clive, 31, travelled across the Channel for the Paris Marathon on April 10.

With barely enough time to catch his breath, he pulls on his running shoes again for the London Marathon this Sunday.

Counsellor Dennis Nelson, who runs Southern Bridges, a support house for the homeless, is taking part in this year's event to raise money for spinal injury charity Spinal Research.

The 35-year-old, of Paynes Road, Freemantle, is aiming to finish the gruelling course in under four hours.

A children's charity will be benefiting from the efforts of Vicky Manock. The 35-year-old of Cherwell Crescent, Milbrook, is hoping to complete the race in about three-and-a-half-hours and raise some much needed cash for the Dreams Come True charity. The sales assistant at Oliver's Fish and Chip Shop in Wimpson Lane said she was looking forward to her first marathon.