FINDING a cure to cancer may be a big challenge but through his blood, sweat and tears James Burman has already personally contributed more than £6,500 to the cause.

FINDING a cure to cancer may be a big challenge but through his blood, sweat and tears James Burman has already personally contributed more than £6,500 to the cause.

The 32-year-old has been keen to make a difference since his granddad, Alfred Prentice, died from cancer when he was a youngster.

He said: “I'm running for Macmillan Cancer Support because the Macmillan nurses were a great help to my Mum, Claire, before my granddad died from cancer.

“It was when I was a child and I can't really recall it but I know she appreciated the support.

“My uncle has also been thrown by a cancer scare recently and he's had the support of a care team.

“It's amazing what they can do to help people with cancer and their families, and if me running a marathon can help to hopefully find a cure for cancer I'm willing to put in the training beforehand and the sweat on the day

“It is hard work but I do enjoy it and once you get into the zone you lose track of time.”

Mr Burman, of Rosebery Road, Ipswich, said April 22 would be the first time he had taken part in the London marathon but added that he had already run two other marathons in New York where he raised around £5,200 for Macmillan over the two races.

He said: “I enjoyed it very much. New York is an amazing place anyway but with all the crowds it's one of the best experiences you can have when you run the marathon there.

“I'm really looking forward to this new challenge now back in Britain.

“My wife, Caroline, will be coming down and mum and dad. My mum knows that I'm doing it because of the help she was given and I'm sure she'll be cheering me on.

“I'm hoping to raise about £1,900 this time round and I've already got more than £1,300.”

n To support Mr Burman, who works in the accounts department of the Oyster Marine yacht-building company, e-mail james.burman@oystermarine.com.