A SPIRITED 81-year-old yoga fanatic took part in a wacky fun run on Saturday (December 3), despite recently coming out of hospital.

Geoff Harding of Monkhams Lane, Woodford Green, completed the Great Christmas Pudding Race in Covent Garden with one arm in a sling - while in the other he held a festive pud.

The former magician recently suffered from an infection in his hand but did not let that stop him dodging obstacles and inflatables to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Harding, who has been retired for 20 years, sported a red fez and a huge grin as he completed his 10th annual run with the Magic Circle team.

He explained that it was extremely important for him to take part and said he could not let the team down.

“I have lost an uncle and a string of friends to cancer,” he said, “it’s a very worthwhile cause.”

Mr Harding told the Guardian that the secret to his vitality is his active lifestyle, which includes working on a huge allotment and teaching yoga classes.

He added that this would not be the last time he took part in the event, “I’m not giving up,” he said, “there’s life in the old boy yet!”

The 2011 Great Christmas Pudding Race – the 31st event of its kind – involved teams of six negotiating their way round an It’s-A-Knockout-style course of obstacles and inflatables.

All while carrying a Christmas pudding on a tray and being squirted with foam.

Steve Squires, of the Cancer Research Aid committee, which organises the event with support from Fox’s Christmas Puddings, said: “The puddings are ready and the countdown is on for another Christmas cracker.

“As well as being a lot of fun the event raises a huge amount of money to help Cancer Research UK carry on its life-saving work.”

Over the years, the Great Christmas Pudding Race has raised more than £930,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Tracey Pounds, area volunteer manager for the charity, said: “The Great Christmas Pudding Race is a real festive treat. It’s very funny to watch but the money it raises helps enable us to continue our vital work.”

Prizes for the pudding race included the coveted Christmas pudding trophy plus awards for the most creative fancy dress costumes.