A Harrow man, who lost his wife to cancer, has 'shone a beacon of light' in the fight against cancer by taking part in Cancer Research UK’s Shine event.

Andy Webb from Harrow lost his wife Mo to cancer last year, leaving him to bring up four sons alone.

He completed the marathon walk in just under seven hours and said: “I was blown away at the amount of kindness demonstrated by everyone and for the whole 26 miles. I was riding a crest of a wave which took me to the end in 6 hours 55 mins.

“I suffer from severe arthritis in both my knees and after 20 miles they were very sore and swollen yet all I thought about was Mo and the pain and suffering she went through. In comparison my pain was nothing so it was back straight, head up and carry on. 

“Cancer doesn’t affect you for one week, one month or one year. It affects you for the rest of your life. This was my second year doing Shine and, as last year, I felt emotional and a huge sense of pride when I completed it.

“I did it for Mo and my boys but it was also to help prevent the suffering we have gone through affecting others and, of course, for all the other people who have lost someone.”

Ten thousand people took part in the walk, which was  waved off by TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) star Gemma Collins (pictured with Andy).

The walkers completed the night-time full or half-marathon route around the city in a spectacular array of lights, luminous clothes and glow-in-the-dark accessories.