A FATHER-OF-THREE will run his first triathlon at the age of 58 today for a charity which helped his daughter when she was diagnosed with bone cancer.

Graham Steinsberg, from Lower Radley, near Abingdon, will take on the 400m swim, 24km cycle and 5km run at Radley College for Clic Sargent.

The charity provided nursing support and advice for his daughter Sophia, after she was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 12 just before Christmas 2008.

Mr Steinsberg, a chartered accountant, said: “The following 12 months were a physical and emotional rollercoaster.

“The one bright light every step of the way was her nurse from Clic Sargent. She visited Sophia and treated her at home wherever possible, allowing her to see friends, and rather than being confined to hospital, to stay at home and go to school.”

Six years on, 18-year-old Sophia leads a full, healthy life, he said, and is now an ambassador for the charity, promoting their cause.

Mr Steinsberg added: “Sophia was lucky, for many children with cancer there is no nurse. “ Mr Steinsberg, also father to Victoria, 16, and Henry, 14, was originally hoping to raise £1,000 in sponsorship for the charity but has now reached close to £8,000.