ENERGETIC granddad Tom Whitfield has set new records since conquering cancer.

At 71, he is baffling everyone with his grit and determination to complete challenges.

The Runcorn dad-of-three had major surgery in March 2015 and after taking a year off to recuperate he has made an incredible recovery.

In five months, he has tackled a dragon boat race, Liverpool Half Marathon, the 40-mile Rizzo charity bike ride and won a cup as the fastest veteran to complete the Wirral Half Marathon.

The Murdishaw fitness enthusiast was also the oldest competitor in the Total Warrior, a tough six mile assault course in Cumbria.

With incredible stamina, he climbed over seven foot walls, ran through flames and waded through three rivers.

Caked in mud, he braved electric shocks as he scrambled through obstacles underneath barbed wire.

“I really enjoyed it,” said former scaffolder Tom, nicknamed ‘Tommy Tarzan’ because of his agility.

“I love a challenge.

“It was amazing at my age that my friend Gary Ellison from Ellison Builders rang me to take part in a dragon race. We finished second out of 12 teams!”

Tom has now clocked up 96 half marathons and 16 full marathons.

Over the past 35 years his efforts have raised more than £35,000.

He raised £128 running the the Wirral Half Marathon on his birthday for disabled Runcorn schoolgirl Rebecca Penney, 8, who has a complex condition and needs a walker to give her more independence.

“I read about her in the World and wanted to do something to help,” said Tom. "I donated my medal to her."

Tom wants to thank all his neighbours and friends for their sponsorship.

“I just love to get out there and do something. I’m not ready to sit back and let the world go by. I always think positive.

“I have a good diet. I eat a lot of fruit, vegetables, chicken and rice and have always got loads of energy.”

Tom goes to the gym and plays football with teenagers.

“I want to do a skydive,” he added. “I did one a couple of years ago when I was on holiday in China. It was great.

“I’d like to do one for Halton Haven Hospice next year.”