A MOTOR bike enthusiast has signed up to RUN the London marathon after his mum's breast cancer scare.

But Nick White, a member of the Atherton-run family racing bike business KAIS, kept his application for the big event secret until he won a place.

Keen sportsman Nick, 26, of Boscombe Place, Hindley, is linking up with the Breast Cancer Care team for the April spectacular.

Nick, who left the Army in 1998 and joined the Punch Bowl business run by father Andy, mum Kath, and moto cross champion brother, Jonathan, said: "My mum had a breast cancer scare, but luckily the tests came out all clear, so I wanted to run my first ever marathon for those people who aren't so lucky.

It was last summer when Kath, 52, went for routine screening screening at Wigan Infirmary and as a result was called back for further tests.

She underwent a biopsy which revealed the problem was simply fatty tissue.

Nick said: "It shocks you a bit, and the good result came as a relief for all of us. That was when I decided to enter the marathon to raise cash. I've been in training for a couple of months." Nick a former football and rugby player for Leigh Amateurs and Leigh East, who in his younger days was on the books of both Oldham and Wigan Athletic, now plays Sunday soccer for Lowton's Hare and Hounds. His one handicap is bad knees. Nick said: "They're a bit painful but at least running is easier than rugby. You don't get brought down at the end."

Kath said: "We're thrilled Nick's doing this, considering his problems. He's had the cartilage done in both knees and after being ill late last year has changed his lifestyle totally. We're very proud of him."