MICHAEL EVANS refused to accept the diagnosis.

After three marathons, the 25-year-old draughtsman began suffering from knee problems.

A specialist told him: "You won't run a marathon again."

Now Michael, of Wardour Street, Atherton, is preparing for his fourth 26.2 grueller, the weeks now ticking over towards April 13 and the Flora London Marathon.

"I just wouldn't give up," he said.

He explained: "I ran in 1992, 1993 and 1994 but I had to stop because of knee problems. A specialist told me marathons were out.

"But I went to see an osteopath, Susan Royle, and now I am ready for another crack at beating my best time of three-and-a-half hours.:

Michael, backed by his wife Sue, is hoping to raise around £3,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

"His grandfather died of heart attack at Christmas and he is doing the run in his memory," said Sue.

Contact Michael on 01942-793962 is you want to help his sponsorship campaign.

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