WHEN Jason Bury decided to take part in his second Great North Run he elected to go a fund-raising step further.

The 34-years-old dad, who hopes to raise £1,000 for cancer research, cycled the 153 miles up to the event!

Jason, of St Helens Road, Leigh, started running when he stopped smoking two years ago, and last year raised £700 for leukaemia charities.

This year, devastated by the news that his 51-years-old father, Ian, had been diagnosed with cancer, he decided money raised this year would go to help research into the disease.

With the company and pace-making of next door neighbour and experienced cyclist, Colin Hayes, Jason spent three days riding to Newcastle before competing in the big event.

The parts manager at Leigh's Firsway Garage, Jason, said: "The firm loaned us a 4 x 4 and my wife Andrea and four-years-old son Ryan formed a support team on the way up.

"My dad had a kidney removed six weeks ago and it is hoped other problems will soon be addressed. I decided to raise funds for Cancer Research and though £1,000 may seem like a drop in the ocean it all helps, and I'd like to thank everyone who supported me."

Jason is now hoping to grab a coveted place in next year's London marathon.