AN IT professional from Addingham is preparing to take on his second London Marathon.

Nick Hodgson and his daughter, Melissa, raised £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by taking part in the race last year.

The 56 year old's family has been affected by cancer and they have raised about £32,000 for the charity over the past six or seven years.

Nick described the 2017 marathon as 'physically painful but emotionally unforgettable', and he has been training hard for this year's event which takes place on Sunday, April 22.

He said: " I enjoyed it so much I decided to do it again!

"I support Macmillan Cancer support because, like many people, my family and friends have been affected by cancer and Macmillan do an amazing job to support those affected.

"The training has been going well – I managed to run and walk 20 miles last weekend in readiness for the marathon."

Nick is collecting sponsorship via a justgiving page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicholas-hodgson-lm2018 - and has already nearly hit his £3,000 target.

On the page, he says: "Please help me raise £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support - they do a fantastic job helping those who are affected by cancer and that's more people than we realise.

"It could be any of us or our families who will need some support at some point.

"If you would like to remember or celebrate someone you know who has been affected by cancer let me know and I will attach a ribbon to my race shirt with their name on it."