Ive got cancer and want to make a difference – so Im trying world record

A man who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer is hoping to leave a legacy by breaking the record for the most charity money ever raised by running a marathon.

Iain Liam Ward, who dubs himself the 'King of Chemo' was diagnosed with stage 3 terminal brain cancer a week after his 31st birthday.

He has now decided to dedicate his final years to raising money for mental health charities after losing a friend to suicide.

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Iain opened up to Daily Star in an exclusive chat to talk about his diagnosis and money-raising hopes.

Talking about how he reacted when he found out about his diagnosis, Iain admitted it "didn't sink in at first".

"Initially, the most frustrating thing for me was knowing that the training I had put in for the army reserves was now irrelevant, as I was going to get turned down," he said.

"Six months later, when I got the diagnosis of brain cancer, I was in shock.

"I focused on getting healthy and meditating regularly, to help prepare for surgery.

"I knew there would be a lot of time spent lay down, and still, so I thought meditation would help."

Iain said that around this time he also took up running to help keep himself fit and created videos of his journey.

"Throughout, I prepared myself for the terminal diagnosis, and when it came it felt expected, and by that point I just wanted to know," he said.

"I also started to create loads of videos, as I wanted to make sure I had as much content as possible before I lost my speech from the tumour growth."

Iain says he's raised £143,000 over two years for Movember, the mental health and cancer charity, so far.

To beat the record, he'll need to raise £2,308,295 by next year.

And although it's a big target, he's confident he can get there, after being sponsored by company Myprotein.

"I think we should be able to get the record next year now that Myprotein have sponsored my journey," he said.

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"At the moment, my focus is increasing my social following to drum up awareness for what I am doing – which will hopefully mean more people donate and more brands want to help!"

Talking about his charity choice, Iain commented: "The main reason I chose Movember was because they support everyone, from people to whole communities, but they also have fun whilst they’re doing it.

"It isn’t all doom and gloom, and I think that reminds me a lot of myself."

Asked if it feels good thinking about all the people he is going to help with the money raised, Iain said: "Of course," before adding: "I would be lying if I said I don’t struggle to comprehend the impact the money will have.

"One thing I do love from the platform I have grown is when I receive DMs from people who say I have made their life better.

"Even if it is just little things like getting people out of bed, or just motivating them to go on a walk, how amazing is that!"

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