WITH the news of a new cancer day unit at Withybush Hospital, James Roach John, an endurance runner from Llangwm, has set himself a major challenge.

He is seeking to raise £500 of public support for local charity Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal.

James, a keen runner, has signed up for this year's Human Being Active Endurance Challenge where he will run in the Llanelli Waterside Half Marathon (March 8), followed by the HBA Challenge 20-mile run on March 29 and finishing with the Great Welsh Marathon on April 19.

It's a series of three races run over a six-week period, covering a total of 60 miles.

James commented: "I'm running again for the Withybush Hospital CDU Appeal as my dad has a form of leukaemia which means that he has regular checks and occasional transfusions in the unit and I am always so impressed by the amazing work the team there does for cancer patients in Pembrokeshire.

"All donations and sponsorship will go directly to the charity which will help to make things even better for patients and their families."

Bernie George, a trustee of the charity, added: "James has been a great support to our charity, having run a number of endurance races in Cardiff and West Wales in the last couple of years.

"When he learnt we are working with the health board to develop a new cancer day unit, he volunteered again to undertake this major challenge to assist our ongoing fundraising."