A NORTH Yorkshire firefighter is competing in the London Marathon this year in memory of his mother and to help raise money for the charity that helped her through her illness.

Nick Potts, member of the Blue Watch fire crew at Selby, will be competing in the marathon this April to raise money for York Against Cancer, the charity that helped his mum during her cancer battle in 2016.

Diane Potts. who died in 2017, was treated at York Hospital’s cancer care centre, established by the charity, who helped fit her wig which was also funded by York Against Cancer.

Nick said: “Mum thought the cancer care centre was fantastic. She hadn’t wanted a wig but when she tried, it looked great, nobody would ever have known that it wasn’t her own hair.”

Nick, who regularly competes in charity events for York Against Cancer said that his mum was always an enthusiastic supporter of his efforts.

He has competed every year in the York 5k event to raise money for cancer care and research and has helped Sarah, owner of Serendipity Gym in Selby, with week regular weekend-long fundraising events. Last year he rode the equivalent of John O’Groats to Land’s End on a static bike outside the gym however, the London Marathon will be his biggest challenge so far.

He said:“This is the marathon I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’ve done the Great North Run twice and tried five times to get in for the London Marathon but not had any luck until now. I couldn’t believe it when I got a ballot place this time.”

Julie Russell, YAC general manager, said the charity was touched by the loyal support shown by Nick and Sarah.

She said: “We’re really grateful and we wish Nick all the very best for his big day, along with all the other runners out there.”

Nick’s training is well under way, for the marathon on April 28, with Sarah’s help. He said:“By the end of March I want to be the fittest I have ever been.”

So far Nick has raised with £500 in donations, but he would like to raise as much as possible. You can support him on his JustGiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Nick-Potts?utm_id=121

Contact george.dodd@newsquest.co.uk with your marathon stories.