Mr Davies had major cancer surgery only six months ago

Conservative Glyn Davies had major surgery last December for cancer of the rectum.

But his colostomy has not stopped the AM for Mid and West Wales continuing with either his political career in Cardiff Bay or his lifelong love of running.

He hopes this weekend's charity event will inspire others in their fight against the disease.

This is a chance for me to show everyone who has to face the shock of being diagnosed with cancer that it is possible to recover good health Glyn Davies

"I have to say that it looked like the end for me at one point," said Mr Davies.

"But the operation last December was a success and I had to start on the road to recovery."

A colostomy is an artificial opening created when a healthy part of the large bowel is brought out to the surface of the abdomen.

Mr Davies shed three stones in weight after the operation and admits to being 'pretty frail' at the start of the year.

But his recovery was boosted when he started running again two months ago.

" I now feel strong enough to tackle longer distances and I am looking forward to this challenge," he said, before undertaking Saturday's run.

"This is a chance for me to show everyone who has to face the shock of being diagnosed with cancer that it is possible to recover good health.

"Some people treat themselves as invalids but if I run a half-marathon then I hope to inspire them to a full recovery."

Mr Davies recently spoke at a Cymuned meeting

Mr Davies' half-marathon involved running a few miles through all six of Montgomeryshire's major towns - Machynlleth, Llanidloes, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin, Newtown and Welshpool.

The run raised money for Wales' National Eisteddfod - the annual celebration of Welsh language and culture - which is being held near Meifod in August.

A keen learner himself, Mr Davies' is on the shortlist for this year's Welsh Learner of the Year competition.

"The Welsh language is what makes Wales so special and the eisteddfod is a wonderful annual celebration of its success and survival," said Mr Davies.

He recently spoke at a meeting of controversial pressure group, Cymuned, which signalled his commitment to engage in Welsh language issues.

"I've certainly changed as a politician after my experience with cancer," he said.

"I now have a much better perspective on issues.

"I used to get worked up about issues that are, in the great scheme of things, unimportant and I can concentrate on issues that really matter to people."