MIRACLE runner Gareth Dunn treated himself to a pint of London Pride as he joined his wife, Liston, son Sam and daughter Evie in celebrating his completion of the gruelling London Marathon course.

“I’d not had a drink for two months because I was in training.

“It tasted good!” admitted Gareth on Monday afternoon, shortly after he and his family had returned by train to their home in Newton-le-Willows.

Yet little over a year ago the last thing on Gareth’s mind was running or celebrating after doctors discovered he was suffering from a brain tumour.

The 40-year-old needed major brain surgery, followed by radiotherapy treatment.

But as soon as he felt fit enough Gareth started preparing for the marathon.

He dedicated the race to the Macmillan Cancer Support in recognition of the way he was treated by their specialist nursing team.

“I didn’t beat my target of four hours 30 minutes for the run.

“I missed it by 90 seconds, but I completed the run and I’m still alive!” said Gareth.

“I managed to see the family at two points along the course too.”

Gareth is grateful for all those people who backed his run for Macmillan to the tune of £5,000, an outstanding effort to match his marvellous achievement.