Now he is battling to raise funds in their honour, by joining tomorrow’s Tour de Rocks, where he will run 228km from Armidale to the coast. 

Today he is in preparation with his running “mate” Baxter, whose owner also suffered cancer. 

“I will be the first person to run the tour with a dog, so I’m hoping that will give me the edge when it comes to raising money,” he said.

Event organiser Bill Wheeler said Mr Swanson’s fundraising effort was a great example for others.

“He is so passionate about raising money for cancer and that is exactly the type of person we want on the tour,” he said. 

The event rolls into action tomorrow with 430 fundraisers taking part.

Organisers hope to eclipse last year’s effort of $250,000. 

To make a donation go to http://www.tourderocks.com.au/