THE family and friends of a six-years-old boy being treated for a rare form of disease are to row a marathon for children's cancer charities.

The event in support of Jacob Marsden, who is being treated for Non Hodgkin's acute lymphoblastic lymphoma, takes place on Saturday in Lowton.

Jacob's uncle Peter Marsden and friends John Bocking, Michael Bennett and Sue Webb are seeking sponsors for the event which starts at the FX Leisure Centre at 9.30am.

His father, police officer Steve Marsden, is also planning a sponsored canoe paddle from Leigh to Llangollen by canal in May.

Steve said: "Trying to come to terms with this life threatening disease has been very difficult for Jacob's mum, Tracey, and myself.

"Since the diagnosis at Wigan and treatment started at Pendlebury two months ago we have been given renewed hope. This is due to the hard work and commitment of the doctors and nurses and the research that is conducted in this country into finding cures for childhood cancers.

"As a result I decided to fund raise for both these causes and money raised will be split between Pendlebury and the Lymphoma Society."

Since Astley St Stephen's pupil Jacob has had to have four blood transfusions as part of his treatment Steve is also appealing to people to give blood next time the service is in town and to consider being a life saving bone marrow donor.

Soccer fan Jake was due to start another course of chemotherapy on Tuesday after finishing his football training session at St Mary's High.

An only child, he was due to be the mascot at the Leigh v Rochdale match last season, but was disappointed when he became wheelchair bound by the illness.

Steve said: "Jake is back on his feet and is doing well apart from a couple of minor hiccups."

There is a shortage of both male and female volunteers for bone marrow donations and details can be obtained from the Anthony Nolan Trust on 0151 733 1444.