A YORK website designer is hoping to raise at least £1,000 for Cancer Research by completing this year's Great North Run.

Mark Dransfield, 26, of Berkeley Terrace, Holgate, York, has utilised his designing skills to set up his own website for the event. He is hoping to attract sponsorship offers from the local community, and has adapted his website to allow Internet users to make online donations.

Web donators can dedicate Mark's run to anyone they know who has been affected by cancer, and their names will then appear on the website. The website will also feature Mark's physical preparations for the 13-mile run, taking place on September 23.

Mark has chosen to support Cancer Research UK because both his family and friends' relatives have been affected by the disease. His mother, who was diagnosed with liver cancer 20 years ago, has beaten the condition, but as Mark said: "Other people do not have tales with such pleasant endings."

Being new to long distance running, the Great North Run will be Mark's first half-marathon. He said: "I am hoping to get this run out of the way first and foremost. If things go well, I hope to take on the London Marathon, and, who knows, maybe the New York Marathon one day."

To make a donation to Mark, or find out more information about his participation in the Great North Run, visit his website www.sponsormetorun.co.uk

Updated: 09:32 Wednesday, May 21, 2003