A WHARFEDALE marathon runner has pounded the streets in two gruelling runs to raise more than £5,800 for a cancer charity -- just two years after contracting the condition himself.

Andrew Shippey, of Otley, has boosted Imperial Cancer Research by recently completing the Great North Run. Earlier this year he ran the London Marathon.

Despite being diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 18 and being given a two per cent chance of survival during treatment, the brave 20-year-old has fought his way back to health -- and channelled his energies into raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research.

His running efforts have seen him raise £4,000. He also wrote to every Premier League football club for signed footballs for Cancer Research to auction off. The donated footballs have raised £1,800.

Earlier this year, the Wharfedale Observer lent its support to Andrew's fundraising efforts, with readers rallying around to donate money and organise events.

His proud father, Michael, said: "I am absolutely thrilled for Andrew. Pride is such a small word when you think what he has achieved and how he's recovered.

"He's poured so much energy and effort into raising the money. His last effort was the Great North Run a week or so ago when he was joined by seven of his university mates. He is already planning to run the London Marathon again next year.

"I'd like to thank all the Wharfedale Observer readers who backed Andrew and helped raise so much money. It has been a heartwarming response. We really appreciate it."

Mr Shippey, of Lisker Drive, said that Andrew was making good progress and had just had his hospital visits cut from every three months to every six. He is currently taking a degree in marketing at Derby University.

"He is making remarkable progress and has made a full recovery," said Mr Shippey. "Reducing the number of hospital visits he makes is a great boost."

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