Former Ilkley man is running to help his wife beat cancer (From Ilkley Gazette)

Former Ilkley man is running to help his wife beat cancer

8:00am Friday 18th January 2013 in News By Jessica Nightingale, Reporter

A former Ilkley man is training hard for the London Marathon – motivated by his wife and her quest to beat breast cancer Neil Smith, 44, formerly of Ben Rhydding, will run the gruelling 26-mile course in the capital for his wife Anne-Marie, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and currently receives chemotherapy treatment.

He will run on April 23, in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research in a bid to raise his target total of £2,500.

Mr Smith said: “I can't wait for the big day to arrive.

“The thought of running in the world's biggest and best marathon gives me a real excitement, especially as my run will help support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research – a charity close to home at present.”

The charity funds vital research into cancer in Yorkshire, principally the causes and the cures.

This will be Mr Smith’s second marathon attempt after having successfully completed Edinburgh in 2011 and raising £1,500 for The Haven, in Leeds.

When he is not running through the streets of Harrogate, where he now lives, or around Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, he is undertaking a PGCE course at York St John’s University.

Mr Smith has currently collected £305. Visit virgin moneygiving.com/NeilSmith313 to sponsor him.