FOOTBALLER John Woods smashed his personal best time for the Bath half-marathon just nine weeks after a third operation in his battle against cancer.

Woods and his running partner Phil Ramsey crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 40 minutes, two minutes quicker than the time he set in 2003. Now 34, Woods has undergone three operations on his stomach and lungs and four 150-hour sessions of chemotherapy, the first of which began exactly one year ago.

He said: "Sunday was a very emotional day for me. I think you appreciate things even more when they are nearly taken away from you. "I'm still in one piece, which is the main thing. I would like to thank my running partner, Phil, because I found it tough going in the last mile and he really helped.

"It was a combination of Phil and all the supporters that pushed me over the line. With all the clapping you forget about how tired you are. "Next year I might even give the Kenyans a run for their money."

Woods also smashed his sponsorship target on Sunday. The Corsham Town assistant-manager has raised £750 for Dorothy House Hospice with some money still to come in. He said: "After the article in last week's paper some of my old school friends who I had no spoken to for 20 years got in touch. I want to thank everyone for their support."

  • Woods is still collecting sponsorship. Call him on 07941 725740.