A FORMER triathlete who underwent exhausting chemotherapy sessions and a bone marrow transplant to beat leukaemia is hitting the road again to raise money for charity.

Five years ago, 48-year-old Roger Devonald’s world was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukaemia - a rare type of cancer that can induce nosebleeds, bleeding gums and bruising, and leaves sufferers tired, lethargic and prone to infection.

After three bouts of chemotherapy treatment and a bone marrow transplant, Roger has now made a full recovery, and is determined to ‘give something back’.

This Sunday (September 29), he will run the Pembrokeshire Half Marathon to raise money for UK charity Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

Roger, who lives with partner Helen in Haverfordwest, was a member of Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club for 15 years and competed all over the world.

He only started running again in December, and said his gruelling illness had taken its toll on his fitness levels.

“I went to rock bottom so I’ve had to work it all back up,” he said.

“With the running I had to start from scratch, walking first then moving on to jogging.”

As part of his training regimen, Roger has completed the Tenby Long Course Weekend, the Poppit Sands Aquathon, and a swim at Broad Haven, and hopes to complete the half-marathon in under two hours.

As well as a way to keep fit and healthy, Roger said he wanted to ‘put something back after being ill’.

“Since my own treatments were based on a clinical trial I now know first-hand how important this research is to help other people to beat this dreadful illness.

“I’m very fortunate, I feel like I’ve been given a second life.”

So far, Roger has raised around £300, but has a target of £500 in mind, and donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/roger-devonald.

Organised by Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club, the Pembrokeshire Half Marathon takes place in Dale, near Haverfordwest, on Sunday, September 29, with registration taking place at the village hall between 9am and 10.30am.

Proceeds from the run will be donated to the Paul Sartori Foundation and Greenacres Animal Rescue, although individual runners will also be running in aid of various other charities.

For more information about the event, contact info@pembrokeshire-tri.org.uk or telephone 07975 925365.