AN OAKWORTH man is tackling his first-ever half-marathon in tribute to a friend with incurable ovarian cancer.

Carl Jenkinson, who only took up running little more than a year ago, is taking part in the Great North Run on September 13.

He has already surpassed his original aim of raising £500 for the Target Ovarian Cancer charity and has now set his sights on reaching £1,000.

His effort has been inspired by Lorraine Broadhurst, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago and is currently undergoing her latest bout of chemotherapy.

"I went to a training night with Lorraine at the Chorlton Runners Club and just fell in love with the sport," said Carl, 43, a voluntary worker with the Mpika charity.

"I wasn't doing any sporty activities at all before then. I was a smoker and overweight.

"Now I'm a member of the Keighley & Craven Athletics Club, am building up my fitness and have lost a lot of weight.

"I've been stepping up my mileage in preparation for the half-marathon.

"I'm a bit nervous but also looking forward to it and I know I'll be raising money for a great cause.

"I don't have any particular finishing time in mind. I just want to complete it!"

Lorraine, who has twice taken part in the Great North Run herself, secured the place for Carl in the hugely popular event through the charity.

She will be heading to the north-east to support him.

"What he's doing is terrific," said Lorraine, 45, a former transport planner who took early retirement last year due to her illness.

"The transformation in him since he took up running is incredible. He is much fitter, of course, but also he has so much more confidence.

"I love running myself and after being diagnosed with cancer, each and every run has become special to me.

"I don't take part in races like I used to as I've just slowed down too much, but I do still turn out for my local park run every Saturday morning, when my health permits."

Lorraine knows her cancer is incurable, but doesn't know how long she is likely to live.

"It might be years – I just don't know," she said.

"The present chemotherapy is to keep it under control. I'm hoping when I have my next scan it will show some shrinkage.

"I'm feeling well enough at the moment and my philosophy has always been just to get on with things."

Visit justgiving.com/Team-Jenkinhurst to support Carl's half-marathon effort.