TODAY the Wharfedale Observer appeals to our readers to support a remarkable young man once given just a two per cent chance of surviving cancer and who is now training for the London Marathon.

Andrew Shippey, of Lisker Drive, Otley, has beaten all the odds in just two years to triumph against the disease which threatened to kill him at the age of 18.

He will line up Sunday, April 18, to tackle the 26-mile course in aid of Imperial Cancer Research.

As he prepares for his daily training routine, Andrew's robust and healthy appearance belies the drama of just two years ago when his mother Margaret, father Michael and younger brother Christopher, feared he would die.

But he said: "The first night when they told me was the only time I thought 'why me?'. Then I thought I either lay down and let it kill me, or I stand up and fight it. And that's what I did."

Now 20 years old, Andrew was told he had testicular cancer two years ago after he was taken to hospital suffering from stomach pains.

And despite early signs that he was responding well to treatment, he fell seriously ill after contracting both pneumonia and septicaemia during chemotherapy.

"I cannot remember any of this time, although for my parents it is still very much in their minds. The doctors would not commit themselves to saying if I would even survive another hour," he said.

Dad Michael said: "He literally was at death's door, on full life support and given less than a two per cent chance of survival.

"But he was convinced from day one that he would beat it. Obviously we are all very proud of him and delighted that he is doing this now."

Andrew was treated at Cookridge and Ida Hospital and also St James's Hospital in Leeds and paid tribute to all the nurses and staff who looked after him during his lengthy stays.

He hopes that running for Imperial Cancer will give something back and provide inspiration for others. "I want the chance to prove to everyone that there is life after cancer, and a very good one at that," he said.

A former pupil at Prince Henry's Grammar School in Otley, Andrew is now studying marketing at university in Derby, where he trains with friends in the Peak District.

He is also being supported by fellow marathon runners Lee Bainbridge, Adam Richards and Lawrence Basham in Otley.

The Rose and Crown pub, in Bondgate, are supporting him, as are Pool Sports and Social Club - where Andrew plays football - and the White Hart Pub in Pool, alongside other regional companies.

Having been given the all-clear in October 1997, Andrew will run the marathon two years and nine days after his diagnosis and he is relishing the challenge.

"I have already done one marathon, my prize for that was my life. I now want the opportunity to run 26 miles," he said.

Staff at the Wharfedale Observer are sponsoring Andrew and anyone else who would like to offer their support can make a donation to his cause at our office reception desk at 9 Orchard Gate.

Firms or businesses wishing to back Andrew can contact him on (01943) 466613. His family are hoping to organise fundraising events and will also be auctioning off his vast collection of baseball caps - 106 were given to him when he lost his hair through chemotherapy.

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