AMATEUR runner Keith Thompson is about to jet off on the mission of a lifetime by running the New York marathon, following the tragic death of his three-year-old daughter.

Mr Thompson joined leukaemia charity the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust a few years ago in the hope that he could be a match for a small child or adult needing a bone marrow donor.

His daughter Charlotte spent much of her young life in hospital suffering from a rare bowel disorder. She died aged just three in 1993.

Mr Thompson, of Guiseley said: "It was absolutely heart rendering to see my little girl suffering in hospital and if I can help raise the funds needed to make The Anthony Nolan Trust make a difference, then that means a great deal to me.

"If I can raise £2,000 it will allow the charity to add another 40 new donors to the Trust's register.

"It is a rather large amount to raise and although my family and friends have been generous I really am appealing to the good nature of local business to send in a donation and help me reach my target."

The New York marathon takes place on November 5 and as well as completing the gruelling marathon itself, Mr Thompson also has to raise a target sponsorship of £2,000 and said the only way he can reach that is if local people and business lend their support.

He is also in the midst of a gruelling fitness and training campaign which he hopes will see him through the 26 miles of one of the most demanding marathons in the world.

"I'm an amateur rugby league player with Horsforth team Yarnbury so I'd describe myself as pretty fit," he said.

"But I've only ever completed a half marathon before, I've never done a full one, so I'm very aware of the challenge that lies before me."

Mr Thompson, known as 'Billy' to his friends is married to housing officer Janet and they have two children Chloe and Will.

If you would like to support Mr Thompson in his challenge, you can send a cheque made payable to ANBMT to Keith Thompson, 13 Oxford Road, Guiseley LS20 9AS. For more information on other fundraising challenges or for details of how to become a donor, call the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust on 01423 879510.

Picture by Andy Horner (34-37-AH)