Herne Hill Harriers coach James McDonald has been named development coach of the year for London for the second time in four years, but this time the accolade feels very different.

The 54-year-old last won the award – backed by England Athletics – on the back his work in getting Katie Snowden to the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2011, where the youngster would win gold in the 800m.

As her coach, McDonald, who lives in Streatham Vale, would also guide her to seventh in the World Youth Championships in the 800m final.

Since then, not only has McDonald nurtured a host of medal winning middle distance and cross-country teams from U11 to U17, he has also taken on, and beaten, bowel cancer.

“Winning the award this time round is a totally different experience,” he said.

Your Local Guardian:

Master and runner: Award winner James McDonald, left, with Saskia Millard, the Surrey U15 1,500m champion and one of his many protégées        SP80806

“It’s really an award for voluntary work, so it was nice to be recognised for the all time you give up and the hard work you put in.

“It came because of Katie’s achievements. I was over the moon for her and myself.”

This time round, McDonald is still over the moon, but he recognises that many people had a part to play.

He said: “This award is a reflection on what we as a club have achieved. While I was in hospital, so many people came out to support the club with their time and effort.

“I am so thankful to them all. But I am also so grateful to the kids as well, they have bought into all the tough training in Richmond Park and Streatham Common, they deserve this award as much as me.”

McDonald was diagnosed with bowel cancer and secondary liver cancer in 2010.

However, a course of chemotherapy eradicated the bowel cancer and after an operation to remove half his liver last year, McDonald has amazed doctors with his recovery.

He said: “I had not long been back from the Youth Games with Katie and I was training hard for the Royal Parks half-marathon.

“I collapsed at home and was later diagnosed at end of December 2011, and I was told there was no cure.

“But after the chemo and the surgery, the doctors said it was unprecedented how far I had come.

“My blood tests have been normal for the past four months, and I am feeling fitter and stronger every day.

“I go out running with the kids at the club. It keeps me active and has helped my recovery immensely.

“I owe them so much you would not believe.”

Your Local Guardian:

Winners: Lucy Olsen, Eloise O'Shaunghessy and Alex Brown won the U13 national champions under James McDonald