Bristol's marathon man Clive Daniels wins Gold Star Award

He's run more than 250 miles over 11 years and raised £100,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Now marathon runner Clive Daniels is the Post's latest Gold Star winner.

Mr Daniels, 63, of Yate, has battled through three Bristol half-marathons and eight London marathons raising money for the charity.

He has also taken part in a further five London marathons for other cancer charities in the past 25 years.

Mr Daniels' fundraising total reached £104,000 when he raised £12,000 through sponsorship for last year's Reebok Bristol Half Marathon.

Speaking about his Gold Star, Mr Daniels said: "Initially, I was very surprised but very pleased.

"I actually thought that it could have been some sort of elaborate hoax.

"But I feel very humbled to be bracketed with people who have done brave, heroic and courageous things.

"I really enjoy doing it. I enjoy running and I love the fundraising because it is so important. To be honest I don't find it that difficult now.

"I have built up a base of great supporters and without them it wouldn't be possible."

The semi-retired, part-time gardener lost a number of close relatives to cancer and saw the Macmillan nurses at work.

He told the Post it was seeing their dedication first hand that inspired him to put on his running shoes and earn them some money.

Our Gold Star Awards recognise the extraordinary achievements of local people, whether they have saved lives, cared selflessly for others or shown great courage.

Rob Stokes, deputy editor of the Post, said: "Clive is a remarkable example to us all. Anyone who has tried to get sponsors and then collect the money knows how difficult it is and yet Clive has done this time and time again.

"His dedication and perseverance over so many years really set him apart and we are delighted to be able to name him as a Gold Star winner."

Mr Daniels is married to Francesca and has a son Alex, 18, who is at university in Leeds and a daughter Chloe, 17, who is a pupil at Katharine Lady Berkeley's School.

Justin Davies, managing director of First Bristol, which sponsors the awards, said: "Clive is a dedicated fundraiser who has devoted huge amounts of time and energy to making life better for others but is still modest about his achievements.

"He is a very worthy Gold Star winner and thoroughly deserves the recognition."

All our winners for 2009 and their families will be invited to a special lunch at the Bristol City Centre Marriott Hotel on December 18.