MARATHON man Keith Mulhearn is in training for an 18-hour tennis tournament to raise money for a little-known illness.

Keith, 34, of Flaxton, near York, will play tennis through the night on September 9 to raise money for research into Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia (DBA), a blood disorder which affects only four to seven children born in the UK each year.

Keith chose the charitable cause because of a little girl called Tillie Burley, who Keith has known for some time and suffers from DBA. Her family used to live in York but have now moved to London.

Keith said: "I'm going to play 18 opponents starting at midnight on September 9 at New Earswick Tennis Club.

"We needed somewhere with floodlights and they really have been first class. They've even asked all the residents in the area if they would mind the floodlights being on all night and they've all said it's okay."

Keith has managed to secure ten opponents who will each play him for one hour, but he still needs another eight and would like anyone who is interested to call him on 01904 468857.

He has secured sponsorship from New Earswick Tennis Club, IT Sports, PM Roofing, SE Landscapes, Smith Brothers, Elm Tree Antiques, Roam'in Tours and the Old Grey Mare pub, but he would also be keen to hear from other potential sponsors.

Diamond-Blackfan Anaemia is usually first noticed in babies of a few months old when they fail to thrive and look pale.

Occasionally they show other signs such as double-jointed thumbs or cleft palates.

The illness leaves them unable to produce red blood cells which carry haemoglobin, transporting oxygen to every part of the body.

PICTURE: CLOCK-WATCHING: Keith Mulhearn, of Flaxton, gets ready to beat the clock in his charity tennis marathon

Picture: Paul Baker