A MAN who has tragically lost both his father and his girlfriend to cancer is running the London Marathon to raise cash for medical research.

Andrew Birmingham, aged 31, of Boundary Drive, Bradley Fold, is taking part in the run to raise money for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust and his brother is helping him to train by pounding the streets alongside him.

He hopes to keep up with his running once he has completed the 26.2 miles of the marathon on April 13, and also plans to take part in the Great North Run later on in the year.

I just want to do something so that no-one else has to go through what I've been through."

He said: "I have never done anything like this before but have been training hard and hope to be ready in time for the run.'