A BELBROUGHTON project manager is getting set to run the gruelling Great North Run this weekend to raise money for Leukaemia Research in honour of his friend who has battled the deadly disease.

Bradley Holmes, who has worked for Air Technology Systems at Galton’s Mill for more than six years - until the floods forced the company to relocate to Bromsgrove, will be taking part in the popular half marathon in Newcastle on Sunday October 5.

The 25-year-old, a local in the Talbot pub in Belbroughton, hopes to raise as much money as possible for the charity - which is close to his heart as his best friend Jonjo Rooney, aged 24, was diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2006, but is now in remission after a successful bone marrow transplant.

Bradley who lives in Bromsgrove said “Having had to watch helplessly as my friend battled through the life-threatening illness was devastating, however Jonjo is now recovering ever so well.

“Unfortunately this is not the case with many adults who are struck down with this illness as the option of a bone marrow transplant is not always available - which can lead to many people not making it.

“However, by raising money for such a good cause I know the money will be going to the good of all patients with leukaemia and will be a great help in eventually seeing the back of this awful disease.

“And I am just glad that I am doing my bit to give something back to a charity that helped save my best friend’s life”.

Bradley, who has been training for ten months for the event, will be running the 13-mile race with his friend Jonathan Richards, aged 27, from Dudley.

And Jonjo, a designer and keen photographer from Bromsgrove, will be there to watch them cross the finish line.

To sponsor him go to www.justgiving.com/bradleyholmes