A WIRRAL man whose father died from a form of blood cancer will run the London Marathon in his memory next month.

Hugh Morris is preparing to push himself to the limit for the event on April 13 to raise funds for blood cancer charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research.

Hugh was just nine years old when his barrister father, Graham Morris died from myeloma in September 1997, aged 44.

He said: "We were on our way back from a family holiday, a holiday I now understood he knew was his last, when he was taken straight from the airport to Arrowe Park hospital. I knew he was ill but not that ill."

Having experienced the devastating effects of cancer on their family once, in 2009 Hugh's mother, Helen, received the news that she had breast cancer.

Hugh continues: "My mum's diagnosis was obviously very scary after my experiences with dad.

"I never thought it would strike twice within our family."

A couple of months after having surgery and her first round of chemotherapy, Helen was awarded an MBE for her significant work at the Merseyside Crown Prosecution Service.

She was able to collect her honour after finishing treatment.

Despite not being a keen runner, the London Marathon has always been something Hugh has wanted to do.

The 26-year-old said: “I always knew I would do it for Dad if I did it, so running for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research means a lot to me.

"Despite thousands of people losing their lives to myeloma each year, it is still one of the lesser known cancers.

"Raising money for this charity will not only fund research for better treatments and cures, but also help to raise awareness of the disease and support those who are affected by it."

To support Hugh, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/HughMorris