FITNESS fanatic Marc Laithwaite is shaping up for his biggest challenge to date - providing he can attract much-needed sponorship support.

For the 24-year-old former Cowley pupil has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the World Quadrathlon Championships in Ibiza in September.

But unless he can raise £2,000 for new equipment, Marc fears he may have to miss out on the big event - for the second year in succession!

A sports science lecturer at St Helens College, Marc has been competing in the gruelling event - comprising running, cycling, swimming and kayak canoeing - for the last eight years. Currently leading the British Quadrathlon Grand Prix series, with only three more meetings to go, he also finished second in the British Championships and is currently preparing for the European event in Prague in August before, hopefully, travelling to Ibiza for the world championships where he is a serious contender for the top prize.

Marc, who is originally from Sutton but now lives in Upholland, told the Star: "Altogether I need about £4,000. I've already managed to raise £2,000 through the college to cover my travel and board expenses. But I still need new equipment, including a new canoe and paddles to cope with the sea conditions. At the moment I don't even have any wheels for my bike, I've had to borrow some to compete in the Grand Prix tournament, so I really need the money."

A weekly training schedule which includes running 35 miles, cycling 120 miles, canoeing 20 miles and swimming six miles, has helped Marc to become one of the top competitors in the event but he has already had to turn down an invitation to compete in last year's World Championships through lack of money. And he added: "I just hope history doesn't repeat itself this year."

He has sent out a number of letters to local businesses and has promised to include prospective sponsors' company logos on his clothing and equipment. Anyone who would like to offer their support can contact Marc through John Keith in St Helens College's marketing unit on 623357.

PICTURED... HOPING to put the bite on his rivals in the World Quadrathlon Championships - sponsors permitting - is St Helens College lecturer Marc Laithwaite, pictured here with one of his biggest fans, pet dog Sadie.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.