A RYEDALE man who was diagnosed with cancer is preparing to lace up his trainers and take on the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon.

On Sunday, October 12, George Smith, known locally as Dave, will take on the gruelling 26.2 mile course to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September last year.

Since undoing treatment in January at St James University Hospital in Leeds, his first test in March this year came back clear. He is now awaiting the results of his second test but said that he is feeling stronger than ever.

He said: "The treatment I had was extremely tough but it went very well. I am feeling great at the moment though and if I wasn't I wouldn't be able to run the marathon.

"Training has been going well so far and I am now up to 21 miles and I have still got about four weeks of running left. I am very much looking forward to it now and just hope to remain injury free."

The 66-year-old, who lives in Aislaby, originally missed out on applying for a place in the marathon, which is being held for the second year, due to having treatment but managed to secure a charity fundraising place with Yorkshire Cancer Research. He has already exceeded his £400 fundraising target and is now hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity.

Dave, who ran three London marathons during the 80's with a personal best time of three hours 36 minutes, is hoping to complete the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon in about four and a half hours.

He said: "Four hours 20 minutes would be great and anything less than that I would be extremely pleased with. I want to raise as much money as possible for Yorkshire Cancer Research. The hospital I had my treatment at was great; the treatment, the staff, the care I received afterwards was really smashing."

Hunters of Helmsley, where Dave previously worked part-time, have also given him a generous donation alongside a running shirt with his name on.

To sponsor Dave visit www.justgiving.com/George-Smith16