MARATHON men Neil Fulkin and David Crank pounded 26.2 miles of cobbles and tarmac on Sunday to raise money for cancer research.

Neil of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, ran around the London streets for just under five hours to raise £250 for Cancer Research UK.

He said: "I ran in memory of my grandad who I lost to cancer when I was only 12 months old. I never knew him and I wanted to do my bit to try and help people like him."

David, of Carrington Road, Chorley, ran for five hours and fifteen minutes to clock up £1,500 for the charity.

He said: "My family has been affected by cancer and the support from everyone has been amazing. People I haven't spoken to for years phoned up to give me money."

The Cancer Research UK runners together hope to have raised around £1 million from the annual marathon.

Sir Paul Nurse, interim chief executive for Cancer Research UK, said: "London Marathon day is absolutely incredible and the atmosphere across London is electric."

The 2003 Flora London Marathon will take place on April 13 and entry forms are available until October.

Entry forms for the New York Marathon 2002 are available by calling 0870 162 1622 or email: running@cancer.org.uk.