The BBC is reporting on the inspirational story of Steve Lee, who has just raised £3,000 for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.

Steve recently completed the Reading half marathon in two hours and 45 minutes. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma 18 months ago and was warned that he might only have a year to live.

Steve had been a keen runner prior to his diagnosis and, after a brief break from running when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, he decided to carry on with his hobby.

Steve raised £3,000 by running the half marathon, which takes his total fundraising to £5,000.

The BBC has spoken to Professor Julian Peto, an expert on mesothelioma, who said that it was possible that Steve’s running was helping to keep him healthy: “It does seem remarkable that he has completed a half-marathon because it affects your lungs, but it is probably true that his keeping fit is keeping him well.”

Steve and his running club, Reading Roadrunners, have committed to raise as much money as possible for the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund throughout the year. Find out more about Steve and his campaign