Comedian Richard Herring is taking on the Knebworth Half Marathon in November to raise funds to thank the Lister Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre for treating him for testicular cancer recently.

Richard, who appeared on Channel 4’s Taskmaster last year, was diagnosed in March after having an operation to remove the cancer at Lister Hospital. He then received chemotherapy at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.

Richard said: “I’m very grateful to all the medical staff who have got me this far and I know that they'll be keeping an eye on me for months and years to come.  

“I don’t want to gush about the NHS but they have given me the hope of seeing my kids grow up and leave home and the prospect of some time to myself once they’re gone.”

Richard smashed his previous fundraising target of £10k and is now over halfway to reaching his new target of £25k.

Eloise Huddleston, director of East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity said: “We are incredibly grateful to Richard for raising funds for us. His kind support will help our amazing NHS staff continue to go above and beyond in the care they give to all our patients.

“The Knebworth Half Marathon is tough in places so he has given himself quite a challenge. I hope everyone joins us in wishing him luck and thanking him for his support. He is an absolute star.”

You can sponsor Richard here.