MICHAEL Morgan is ready to sweat blood and tears in memory of his girlfriend’s brother, who died two years ago.

Paul Nixon, of Huntington Road, Darwen, died in November 2011 aged 27, having been diagnosed with a rare sarcoma cancer in his thigh.

Since his death, his family have raised thousands of pounds to raise awareness of the disease that killed him.

And Michael, 24, boyfriend of Paul’s sister Leah, has begun training for Tough Mudder, a 12-mile obstacle course widely regarded as one of the most challenging physical events in the country.

Michael, of Bury Fold Lane, is raising money for Sarcoma UK.

The colour mixer for Surface Print in Clayton-le-Moors said: “I have always wanted to do something big, like a marathon, and a couple of my old school friends did Tough Mudder last year and I decided I wanted to do it.

“I have been training since before Christmas by doing the Insanity workout DVDs, as well as running and weight training.

“Having watched some of the YouTube videos of the race and seeing what people go through, I am feeling both nervous and excited about it.”

Michael and Leah were friends before Paul’s death and got together as a couple not long afterwards.

Paul and Leah’s mum Lynn said: “Michael has been very supportive and has helped Leah through a very difficult couple of years and I am very grateful to him.

“To go one step further and put himself through all this in memory of Paul is brilliant.

“Now we just need everyone to support Michael in his fundraising as we raise awareness of this terrible disease.”

The event is on September 13 at Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire. To sponsor Michael, visit www. justgiving.co.uk/michael-morgan6 or text TSPC47 £(1,2,3,4,5 or 10) to 70070.