A BARNOLDSWICK man is putting on his running shoes in memory of his father who died from cancer.

Oliver Robinson, is running the London Marathon to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

The 29-year-old, an IT technician at Weston EU Ltd, Foulridge, his mum Barbara and fiancee Clare Bond, hope to raise £3,000 for the charity after his dad Lou (above left), died from acute myeloid leukaemia -- a type of blood cancer -- in 2003.

He said: "When my dad was in hospital I felt so helpless.

"Doing this run is my way of making a difference and helping others.

"All the family have been supportive."

The family originally wanted to raise £2,000 for the charity but after receiving donations from businesses Lou used to work for, including Silentnight, the trio set a new target.

And Oliver has had a good grounding to complete the gruelling 26-mile course on April 17.

In 2000, the former West Craven County High School pupil did basic training with the Royal Marines. And on Sunday he will further step up his preparations for the race now in its 25th year.

Oliver is also competing in a half marathon, alongside TV stars including Emmerdale's Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard and former star Emma Atkins, Charity Dingle, in Fleet, Hampshire, organised by Leukaemia Research.

He added: "That will be the first proper race I have done. I am looking forward to it. I completed the distance the other week in quite a good time so hopefully I can beat it with some competition.

"I went and did the training in 2000 as I always fancied the physical challenge. It lasted for about five months and is the hardest and longest training in the world."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Oliver should visit www.justgiving. com/lou-kaemia