A TEACHER who has seen both his parents battle against cancer is getting in gear to run the London Marathon.

Dave Holley, of Rainbow Hill, Worcester, was inspired to tackle the 26-mile run and raise money for a cancer charity after his mum spoke about the strength of the children she met in the cancer ward of Bristol Royal Infirmary.

The 36-year-old teacher at Badsey First School, Badsey, near Evesham, wants to raise £1,500 for CLIC, the charity for children suffering from cancer and leukaemia.

Both of his parents, Val, aged 68 and Brian, aged 69, have suffered from cancer.

He said: "Mum was diagnosed with throat cancer and then liver cancer but she is now in remission. Dad has had prostate cancer for three or four years now."

In 2004 he took part in the Great North Run, a half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields but the London Marathon, on Sunday, April 23, will be his first full marathon.

He said: "I've been taking one long run and two long runs a week. I'm kind of half excited and half nervous but I am determined.

"The whole school, the children and the parent-teacher-association are really behind me."

Mr Holley has so far raised about £350.

Local businesses or members of the public who want to help him hit his target can contact him at Badsey First School, School Lane, Badsey, Evesham, WR11 7ES or by calling the school on 01386 830325.