A DAD is ready to embark on a charity challenge after being motivated by his mum's cancer diagnosis.

Paul Willan, of Bradley Fold, will be pulling on his trainers for the Great North Run in September to raise money for Cancer Research.

The 35-year-old's mum, Jean, from Little Lever, was diagnosed with myeloma and amyloidosis earlier this year and the family are determined to use the bad news as inspiration for their fundraising efforts.

Leanne Willan, Paul's wife, said: "We found out Paul's mum has cancer a couple of months ago, which was obviously a shock for us all.

"He used to run quite a lot a few years ago and started again recently with his cousin, who said he was doing the Great North Run this year.

"After that, Paul thought he would try and get a place too and raise some money for Cancer Research in the process.

"His mum is over the moon about it.

"We aren't a family to just sit there and take things like this. I have done some fundraising myself in the past because I have a rare illness called gastroparesis.

"We always look on the positive side of things and give ourselves something good to focus on."

Paul, a CAD engineer, is looking to raise a minimum of £400 in sponsorship and is also collecting raffle donations from local businesses to boost the collection, ahead of taking on one of the world's biggest half marathons on September 11.

Leanne, aged 34, added: "He has raised money for Derian House in the past, he has done the Leeds and Liverpool Canal Run and other 10k races in the past too.

"We have a Facebook page where we have asked people to donate raffle prizes so we can raise a bit more money. So far we have had things like a coffee machine and a driving lesson donated, but we would like more local businesses to get involved.

"We've set a realistic target of £400 and fingers crossed we will get that much and a bit more. It would be fantastic if we could."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Paul-Willan2016 or call 07718 373452 to submit raffle prizes.