Stroke survivor Jeffery Harris MBE will officially start the inaugural Devauden 10K on Bank Holiday Monday (7th May), but he'd much rather be joining the competitors around Chepstow Park Woods than waving them off.

Jeffery, who lives in Devauden, was a keen runner before he suffered a stroke six years ago just one week before he was due to compete in the New York Marathon.

At the time his consultant said he was one of the least likely people to suffer a stroke but he did, and he has since approached his rehabilitation with the same energy he had previously preserved for the 14 city marathons and countless half marathons he completed before it happened.

He began running at the London Marathon in 1984 aged 40 and the bulk of his training was done on the tracks of Chepstow Park Woods, which form the route of Devauden 10K.

He was one of the first to pre-enter the new Devauden race but has had to withdraw as his condition has worsened recently but he is nevertheless determined to play a part.

"I'm thrilled and privileged to be asked to start the race. Running is such an efficient way to stay fit and I say to those who can run 'make the most of it and never take it for granted'," said Jeffrey, pictured left and with a London Marathon finisher's medal, inset.

"I shall wear my Venice marathon tee-shirt on the day as the race was one of the highlights of my running career. They built a wooden pontoon across the Grand Canal and I shall think of that experience and imagine running on water."

Jeffery, who gained a First degree in Maths and Physics, and a Master's degree in Quantum Optics, was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Honours in 1997 for his services to the military after work to install systems and train army personnel in Bosnia, Kosova and Iraq.

After the stroke he had to give up his work and running, both of which he misses greatly, but he has remained active helping to run Chepstow Stroke Experience Group and is chairman of the disabled swimming group, Caldicot Swans, for whom he also competes.

Last month he completed a Sports Relief Mile in Cardiff Bay.

"My six year old grandson William (Shannon) held my hand as we walked the mile and then in the last 200 metres he sprinted on so he could clap me home. That was my last medal," said Jeffery.

The chairman of the Hood Memorial Hall Committee, John Rowlands, said: "We are delighted Jeff has agreed to start our race.

"As a keen runner he would have loved to have competed around the woods but his courage and energy following his stroke is an example to us all.

"His experience should make those of us who can run appreciate what a blessing it is to be able to compete around this beautiful course."

You can enter the race and check out the route online at http://www.devauden.org.uk/10k">www.devauden.org.uk/10k or pick up a form from Devauden and St Arvans village shops. Pre-entry is £6 but you can enter on the day for £8.

The race has been sponsored by Western Power Distribution and is raising funds for the Hood Memorial Hall in the village. For more information contact John Rowlands on 01291 650846