'Running 5k a day after dad's cancer diagnosis'

Michael Lilley has been pounding the streets to raise awareness of prostate cancer

When 51-year-old Michael Lilley discovered his father John had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, he vowed to do everything he could to raise awareness of the disease.

One of the ways he is doing this is by running 5km (3.1 miles) every day for a year.

I met Michael and John as part of my 25in25 series - an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the north-west of England's remarkable people and fascinating places.

"My Dad's always been this sort of invincible type," said Michael when I met him on one of his runs just north of Preston.

"He's got to 78 and never had anything wrong with him, with a positive outlook in life, everything's always fine and rosy and optimistic.

"So [for him to] suddenly to turn around and tell me that he had the big C was a reality check.

"But I knew - and he has proven it - that he would just deal with it."

John was diagnosed after going to his doctor with an infection.

A test later confirmed that he had prostate cancer.

How did John deal with it? With a positive outlook.

"I've had my treatment and it's onwards and upwards for me," he said.

"I'm 80 now and I'm looking to 90. Am I going to be 90? Yeah, hopefully."

Michael described his daily running challenge as "brutal"

While Michael did not think his Dad needed emotional support, he still wanted to do something to help and hence the running challenge was born.

So how has clocking up 5km every day been?

"Brutal," he replied.

"For someone that has been running for about 10 years, and having done a few marathons, this is the hardest thing I've done so far.

"It's because there is no let-up - you've got to do it. Every 24 hours, you've got to get out and do it again.

"The money I have raised is brilliant but for me it's about awareness.

"If one person goes and gets tested this year on the back of what I have done, and finds they have got it and gets cured, then all of this is worthwhile."