AN Oldswinford cancer survivor has teamed up with his nine-year-old daughter to help raise funds for Cure Leukaemia.

Martin Gibson, aged 45, of Arlington Court was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2003 after he fell over and broke his arm.

He said: "It was an unusual break and when I had a biopsy they found I had plasmacytoma. I had radiotherapy and to repair my arm, I had a metal bar put in the bone from my shoulder to elbow to hold it together. That was the last I heard of it until 2008 when the cancer came back in several places.

"I was told the only treatment was a bone marrow transplant, which I had in 2009."

Since the transplant, Mr Gibson has been fighting fit and has raised hundreds of pounds for the charity by completing several half marathons and one full marathon.

He is now preparing for Survival of the Fittest Elite, a 13 mile assault course that will be held in Nottingham on October 11.

Mr Gibson added: "Its an even greater challenge for me because my arm isn't as strong as a normal persons. I'm feeling quite apprehensive but I'm training every day without fail, whether it's doing press ups or going out for a run."

In his bid to raise cash for the charity, Mr Gibson has received a helping hand from his daughter, Lydia, who has been busy making and selling loom bands.

The Oldswinford Primary School pupil said: "I want to help other people that have terrible illnesses. I will be doing a variety of different challenges this year."

Her proud dad added: "My event will come and go but Lydia wants to do something long-term, she'll keep going, doing different challenges as she comes up with new ideas and raising her target once she reaches it. I'm enjoying having her do it with me, she's my best friend."

To sponsor Mr Gibson, visit www.justgiving.com/oldswinford.