The Santa from Tooting who wants to cure cancer

Tooting's Santa battling brain cancer and breaking records.

Iain Ward, 32, lives in Tooting and was spotted in a Santa suit encouraging passers by to take a turn on the rowing machine he had set up at Battersea Power Station last night (Tuesday December, 21).

The evening's goal was to row 26.2 miles and raise awareness for his cause.

Iain has stage three brain cancer.

As part of a medical trial in 2019, he under went an MRI where a small tumour was detected.

The tumour started growing and two weeks after his 31st birthday, Iain went in for brain surgery.

A week after the operation Iain was diagnosed with brain cancer and given a life expectancy of five years.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, he decided to dedicate his time to raising money and breaking records.

Iain knew that having cancer would attract people's donations and he has dedicated his time to raising money for four major cancer charities across the globe; Cancer Research UK, Irish Cancer Society, American Cancer Society and Cure Cancer Australia.

As part of his plan to raise money he hopes to take part in the London marathon in 2022, and aims to break two world records while doing it.

The first is to raise the most money for a charity by running a marathon and the second, for the fastest run marathon by a video game character.

Uncertain on which character he will dress as yet, he knows he has to run it in under a brutal 2 hours 57 minutes and raise more than £2,320,601.

Iain said: "I wanted a world record that my cancer would hinder, not help."

He hopes to inspire people with medical or mental illnesses reminding them that they are not defined by their condition.

Iain, however, has already faced gruelling challenges, taking on not one, but two marathons 52 weeks after his surgery and while undergoing chemotherapy treatment.

When Nub News met him Iain was cheering on youngsters on his rowing machine and blasting Christmas music, it was clear nothing could dampen his spirit and determination.

You can donate to Iain's cause on his website: Cure cancer or die trying.

Stay up to date with Iain's journey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Got a story? Get in touch with Lexi Iles via [email protected] or call 07964789627

[I]Find all the latest news for your local area by following us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.