A MALVERN hotelier is hoping to run three marathons in three months to raise money to help cancer sufferers.

Mike Humm, aged 59, wants to raise £9,000 in memory of Phil Mico, a microbiologist and immunologist from Malvern, who made a major contribution to the diagnosis of key conditions such as kidney disease and thyroid gland defects.

Mr Mico was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system, in 1980 when he was 34, but died last year.

"He was a really good character," said Mr Humm. "When you speak to people who met him they always have a good story to tell - he will be well remembered."

Mr Humm, who manages the Thornbury Hotel and Shelley's Restaurant with his wife Marion, said all the money raised would go to Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Mr Humm completed his first marathon last year when he took part in the London event.

"That was a real achievement and I was looking forward to another stretching target before I reach 60," he said.

Now he will be taking part in marathons in Wolverham-pton, Dublin and Leicester.

Anyone interested in donating money can log on to www.justgiving.com/mikehumm.