A father-of-two has recently returned from Barcelona after running a marathon, just 10 months after finishing cancer treatment.

JEFF Howe found out he had cancer in December 2006. But, after successful treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, he is now in remission.

He is now determined to complete his goal of running 10 marathons - and raise cash along the way for the charity which helped him during his cancer treatment.

The 47-year-old maintenance manager completed the Loch Ness Marathon in under four hours last October - the eighth time he had finished a 26.2-mile run.

And on March 2, he completed the Barcelona Marathon in four hours and five minutes.

Mr Howe said: "It was a nice day and the scenery was lovely.

"I did get round but had a cold so it was a bit difficult.

"The marathons are always good, fun occasions and always positive, which is why I do them."

This is all a far cry from the time Mr Howe was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which causes the lymph nodes to enlarge.

These are found in many parts of the body, including the neck, armpit and groin.

Mr Howe, of Winifred Road, Dartford, said: "I went to the doctor after having a lump come up on the side of my neck. It was like it wasn't happening to me."

His treatment lasted until April last year and just six months later he completed the Loch Ness Marathon.

Mr Howe added: "When I completed the Loch Ness Marathon my friends and family were pretty amazed.

"I was surprised I completed it.

"We all went back to the hotel and they cracked open two bottles of champagne."

Mr Howe had chemotherapy at Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford.

He also had reflexology and aromatherapy treatments from nurses from cancer charity Macmillan at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup.

Mr Howe decided to help Macmillan and has raised around £1,200 from sponsorship for the charity through doing the Barcelona run.

He said: "I received excellent treatment from the team in the chemotherapy suite at Darent Valley Hospital.

"And the support from Macmillan helped me to remain level-headed and positive through the worst six months of my life."

Mr Howe, who lives with his 48-year-old wife, Sue, and daughters Kelly, 18, and 16-year-old Jodie, added: "I ran my first marathon back in 1997 and I have always had the aim of running 10 marathons.

"I set myself the goal to run this marathon while I was ill."

Mr Howe had applied to take part in the Barcelona event before, but had to pull out because of a knee injury, so he was determined to make it this year.

He is now considering running the Venice Marathon in October, which will be his 10th event.

Mr Howe has raised money for other charities through his marathon attempts, such as Victa, which supports families with visually impaired children.

He has been a member of Dartford Road Runners, based at Princes Park Stadium, Darenth Road, Dartford, for six years.

To recognise his achievements, he was recently awarded the club's Male Road Runner Of The Year trophy.