A runner who was told last summer that he may have only six months to live is ready to tackle two marathon races in two weeks.

Derek Emsley, of Leslie Avenue, Yeadon, has terminal skin cancer and is determined to complete the London Marathon and the Three Peaks Fell Race - both in April.

"I am running for Macmillan Cancer Relief after a friend's father died of cancer and to raise money for the Macmillan nurses who look after people who are terminally ill," said the 46-year-old mechanic from Holly Park Rewinds in Pudsey.

"The nurses are paid for by the charity and they do a marvellous job. I want to put a bit back for the people following me."

Derek discovered he had cancer five years ago and in August he was told that the illness was terminal.

"I had a couple of lumps removed in June," he said. "I had asked for the operation to be delayed so I could run a race.

"When the results came back the cancer had spread to my lungs and spleen and the doctors told me I could die within six months - but I haven't.

"The only problem is when the cancer goes into remission you don't know if it will come back in a week or ten years - and that's a one in a million chance.

"I hope I can do the races again next year and the year after that."

Derek is undergoing chemotherapy treatment and is determined to be fit in time for the races.

Last year he was awarded the Skyrac Athletics Club's 2002 Fell Running Shield for the first time, after a string of wins, which included leaving a wedding early in order to compete.

The champion runner has been competing in the sport seriously for six years and has already run the London Marathon four times.

"I have never run the races consecutively before," he said. "But this year, two weeks after the London Marathon I will take part in the Three Peaks Fell Race.

For me, time is short - it's not like I could leave it for another year.

"I think as long as nothing drastic happens everything will be okay. I finish chemotherapy in February and it will give me a month and a half to get my fitness back up."

Derek has so far raised £250, but hopes to raise much more.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Derek can contact Anna Jackson at the Leeds Macmillan Appeal Office, Rooms D24/25, Trust Headquarters, St James' Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, on (0113) 2064082, or by e-mail at ajackson@macmillan.org.uk.