A DORSET man is looking to help young people battle cancer by running this year's London Marathon with the support of a local school.

Martin Simmons, 53, of Corfe Mullen, is running on April 24 in aid of Children with Cancer UK.

This will be Martin's second marathon after he ran last year as part of a team that raised £50,000 for Cancer Research UK.

He is looking to raise £5,000 this year on his solo run for Children with Cancer UK.

"Last year was a spectacular success," said Martin.

"You look around and realise how much charities rely on these events."

Martin is running with the support of Lytchett Minster School, who will help to raise funds prior to his run.

Headmaster Andrew Mead said: "Many of us have had family or friends whose lives have sadly been affected by cancer and I have personally seen some of the great work that Children with Cancer UK does.

"Martin informed me that he was running the London Marathon for the charity and I am delighted that this has received the support of our students and staff to help with fundraising."

Almost 4,000 children and young people are diagnosed with some form of cancer every year in the UK.

The work of Children with Cancer UK has contributed to a rise in the survival rates for childhood cancer, but the rates for some rare forms of the disease remain at zero.

Martin said that cancer charities have done a "huge amount" of work to improve the position of people suffering from the disease, but that "there is a lot more to do" in order to eradicate cancer for good.

Martin said: "I think we can all identify with young people going through a lot of trauma early in their lives.

"The marathon is a big challenge for me personally, but it is also about having people behind you and actually doing something good for others."

To donate to Martin's fundraising efforts, visit virginmoneygiving.com/MartinSimmons.

Are you running the London Marathon this year and want to share your story? Contact reporter Tom Beasley on 01305 830818 or email tom.beasley@dorsetecho.co.uk.

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