YARNBURY rugby player Keith 'Billy' Thompson has been putting a bit more into pre-season training this year.

The 33 year-old stalwart of the Horsforth club is giving his all as he prepares for a new challenge.

He is to run in the New York Marathon on November 5 to raise funds for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust.

Billy has first hand knowledge of tragic illness amongst children. His own daughter Charlotte died at the age of two in 1993.

The Yeadon man is determined to help raise money for children's charities but first he needs to raise £2,000 to be able to take part in New York.

He is looking to local businesses and sports clubs to help him in his bid to raise funds.

Although Billy has always kept himself fit for rugby he finds the training for a marathon something else.

He confesses to having done one half-marathon a few years ago in Bradford but he has never been a serious runner.

His efforts need rewarding by sponsors coming forward to assist in his fund raising and he can be contacted on 0113 2506434.