A FOOTBALLER'S determination to stay fit throughout the year has resulted in him presenting £1,900 to the Leyburn branch of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Mark Teasdale, who plays for Askrigg Football Club, decided to enter the Great North Run three years ago to keep fit during the summer.

When he successfully completed the 2000 run he decided to enter again and raise money for charity. In 2001 he gave almost £300 to Get Kids Going.

For 2002, his family and friends suggested he should support the local cancer charity. By then he was working for Walter Thompson contractors at Northallerton as a materials buyer.

"I have got a lot of business contacts. I mentioned what I was doing and a lot of them were more than generous. I also had a lot of support from my family and friends," he said.

By the time he did the run in October, he knew his mother, Pauline, had breast cancer. She is still undergoing treatment.

Mr Teasdale hopes to complete the next run in under two hours; in October he missed that by just three minutes.

"It's a great experience - with all those people cheering you on. And if it looks as if you are going to start walking, someone will pat you on the back and encourage you," he said.