A KEIGHLEY GP is tackling his first-ever marathon to boost the battle against pancreatic cancer.

Neil Smith is taking on the Bristol to Bath marathon on October 25, raising money for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

His sister-in-law, Penny Lown, was diagnosed with the disease more than two years ago.

And his father-in-law died from the illness, which has the lowest survival rate of all cancers.

"Penny had surgery last year and is doing well," said Dr Smith, 54.

"I want to raise as much as possible to help fund vital pancreatic cancer research to find ways to defeat this devastating disease."

He has run several half-marathons, including the Great North Run with his wife, Virginia Griffith, raising money for the cause.

But Dr Smith, an Airedale Dodgers running club member, has never previously tackled a 26.2-mile challenge.

"It's my first and probably only marathon!" he said.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"My training is going well and has recently included a 23-mile run.

"I am just hoping that a virus, not uncommon at this time of year, doesn't disrupt my plans."

Dr Smith has set-up an online donations page at justgiving.com/Neil-Smith72/ and is already close to achieving his £150 target.

Two years ago, he and his wife together raised about £6,000 for the pancreatic cancer charity through the Great North Run.

About 8,800 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Just three per cent of those diagnosed survive for five years, and it is the only cancer that has seen no improvement in survival rates during the past four decades.

A spokesman for the research fund said: "For many cancers, five-year survival rates have increased hugely since the 1970s.

"Breast cancer, for example, where large amounts have been spent on research, has seen survival rates increase from 50 to 80 per cent.

"But despite its high death rate and lack of improvement in chances of survival, pancreatic cancer attracts little research funding in comparison with many other cancers."

Visit pcrf.org.uk for more more information.

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