A DEVOTED dad will tackle his second Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon this year to raise funds for a charity which has helped his young son.

Four-year-old George Gallimore was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was just two and has been receiving treatment at Leeds General Infirmary ever since.

The family have been supported throughout their ordeal by Leeds-based Candlelighters, who provide respite and holidays for children and their parents suffering from life-threatening illnesses.

And dad, Mark, 38, of Wheatlands Grove, Acomb, is hoping to repay the group by running his second successive marathon through the streets of York on October 11.

"For the past 18 months Candlelighters has supported me and my other two children through this," said Mark.

"Running last year was my way of giving something back because Candlelighters has helped us and I wanted to do something to raise awareness.

"Our financial situation changed and they put us on the road to seek help.

"In total George has spent 24 weeks in hospital with various infections and spent 10 days in there over Christmas with a chest infection.

"When George was first diagnosed we thought the worst but Candlelighters are brilliant at saying you are not alone and at supporting you through it."

Delivery driver Mark raised £1,300 last year and hopes to beat that in 2015 when he lines up at the start alongside 7,000 participants.

Candlelighters is one of many charities set to benefit from dedicated runners tackling this year's marathon.

Noemie Salvaudon, events fundraiser at Candlelighters, said: "We support families like the Gallimores from the start of their cancer journey, through giving out grants, funding staff, equipment and research, and organising activities.

"Each family with a child on treatment can also go on a Candlelighters holiday to Centre Parcs or caravanning once a year."

If you are running the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon and want to share your story, please contact The Press newsdesk on newsdesk@thepress.co.uk or 01904 567131.