DAVID BARBER of Burneside is a man on a mission ...

Twenty-nine year old David has just heard he has been accepted to run the London Marathon this year, on April 22, raising funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

David applied to run at the end of last year but was turned down because of the number of applicants.

"I was very disappointed at the time because I really wanted to run for Marie Curie," he said this week.

"Apparently they were innundated with applications and I just didn't get in".

But there was a cancellation and a phone call to say he was accepted for the Marathon meant a sudden change in his plans for the next couple of months.

"Everyone else has had two months more training time than me," he says, "so I've had to start my training programme pretty quickly!"

Luckily, the task of getting fit isn't quite as momentous for David as it might be for some of us.

He is a former squash champion for Cumbria (under 16's and under 19's champion), and used to play football for Milnthorpe.

He has now started running to and from his work as foreman paint sprayer at Kendal Autobody Ltd on Shap Road Industrial Estate and he is also running at weekends.

"I've been given a target figure of £2001 to raise, so I'm going all out for it," he says.

David's mum, Celia, a nurse in S.

Cumbria and N.

Lancs for over 30 years, has been a Marie Curie nurse in the area for the last 20 years.

"I know the work that Marie Curie does, and how many people are affected by cancer," he says.

"So I am really hoping to help all I can."

Anyone who would like to contribute to David's sponsorship fund can send cheques payable to 'Marie Curie Cancer Care' addressed to David at 7 Carlingdale, Burneside, or telephone: 01539 729757.