HE has just completed the gruelling London Marathon in a fundraising drive for charity – but it hasn’t put Matthew Pannett off running for life.

Only days after crossing the finishing line, Matthew registered for next year’s 26-mile race in a bid to raise even more cash for the Guy Francis Bone Cancer Research Fund – a charity set up in memory of his brother-in-law, whose life was tragically cut short by the disease.

Despite describing the epic run as “the hardest thing I have ever put myself through” – Matthew said he was determined to continue to raise money in memory of “a truly great bloke”.

Former Fulford School pupil Guy Francis was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his leg when he was aged 17.

While undergoing a series of operations and chemotherapy, he launched a fund to help pioneering research into how the condition can be treated.

During his third year at the University of Teesside the cancer reappeared in the top two vertebrae of his neck and he died in April 2002, aged just 23.

His name has since been kept alive by those who knew him, as they have continued the work of the Guy Francis Bone Cancer Research Fund.

In completing the course in four hours and 47 minutes, Matthew, who is married to Guy’s sister, Lucinda, boosted the coffers of the charity by £2,500.

“I had set myself a target of five hours so I was very happy with my time and the money I raised”, he said. “It is easily the hardest challenge I have done – but also one of the most rewarding.”

He said a group of family and friends travelled with him to the capital to lend their support. “The last six miles were really tough, but every time I slowed down I thought about all those people that have supported me, which motivated me to continue.

“At 25 miles I saw Ros and Mike – Guy’s parents –and I knew I was close to the finish and as I turned the last corner I saw my wife and brother with some friends jumping up and down and calling out my name. Crossing the finishing line was fantastic.”

The 2009 London Marathon was Matthew’s first – but not his last. “I have already applied for next year’s marathon – I want to raise as much money as possible as I know Guy’s wish was for the charity to raise funds for the research into osteosarcoma.”