A FATHER took part in an "exhilarating" race in honour of his son who beat leukaemia.

Laurence Harris, of Oberon Close, Borehamwood, was one of nearly 5,000 who took part in Run to the Beat, raising money for charity Blood Wise.

The 63-year-old's son, Adam, was 25 when he was given the "earth shattering" diagnosis of leukaemia but after five months of chemotherapy, he was given the all clear.

Now 35, Adam, his father and other siblings, Kelly, 33 and Daniel, 30, regularly take part in events to raise money for charity.

Mr Harris said: "I was one of the oldest people running and I ran the 6.4 miles in just over an hour. Not bad for a 63-year-old.

"It was very exhilarating, well organised and the weather was perfect conditions for running."

He raised around £1,000 in sponsorship money during the race.

In the last few years, his family have managed to raise a total of £11,000 for Blood Wise by taking part in various challenges.

Mr Harris added: "When Adam was diagnosed it was earth shattering. It was absolute hell for him and the other members of the family.

"My other two children were devastated and we were all in shock. We are still feeling the repercussions of it today.

"Every time he has a nose blood, a cough or a cold, we worry. But it's something you've got to live with unfortunately. Now we just want to raise money to find a cure for this horrible disease."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/laurencemichaelharris