A RUNNER who was told last summer that he may have 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," the 46-year-old mechanic said.

Mr Emsley, who was told in the summer last year he could have just six months to live, added: "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 first 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.

"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."

He is undergoing chemotherapy treatment until February 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 his 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 is not like I could leave it for another year.

"I might still be active but I doubt I would be in a good condition to go.

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

The Three Peaks Race will be harder than the London Marathon because there is more than 4,000 feet of climbing over 24 miles. The mechanic at Holly Park Rewinds in Pudsey is hoping to raise as much money as possible for the charity so far he has £250.

Macmillan Cancer Relief provides expert care and practical and emotional support for people living with cancer, from the beginning and throughout the patient's experience.

The charity needs funds to provide specialist Macmillan nurses and doctors and to build treatment centres and financial help to those who need it most.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Derek can contact Community Fundraiser Anna Jackson at the Leeds Macmillan Appeal Office, Rooms D24/25, Trust Headquarters, St James' Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.

Alternatively, people can call (0113) 2064082. If you have access to email, the address is: ajackson@macmillan.org.uk.