Hero Reg "humbled" by award

Reg Wild, 71, of Upper Church Road, St Leonards, was given a Mayoral Award at the town hall on Tuesday in recognition of his service to the people of Hastings.

His friends and family packed into the mayor's parlour to see Cllr Maureen Charlesworth hand over the certificate and Mr Wild said: "I was unbelievably proud, and very humbled, but I accept this on behalf of the blinding team I have had around me."

He has worked with Hastings Athletics Club for 35 years, nurturing many of the town's great young athletes.

"People always mention Sean Baldock but there were so many - Derek Stevens, Luke Veness, Joel Fraser and recently Lee Emanuel whom I am sure will go to the Olympics," he said.

"It always amazes me that a small town like this produces so many great athletes, but the enthusiasm is incredible and there is amazing support from all the parents as well."

Reg started running marathons aged 50 and was the quickest in his age group among the UK runners at the London Marathon on two occasions, in a best time of 2 hrs 50 mins and 19 secs.

"It was very hard watching the London Marathon last Sunday and I wished I could have been there running," he admitted, but his life has been turned upside down since he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer, two years ago.

After a long battle with the Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust over his treatment, Reg is still undergoing gruelling chemotherapy, which made the award even more special.

"It was very emotional. It is difficult when people are saying such nice things and I don't know what the future holds. But I could not believe the letters of support I got last year '“ the response was amazing."