The Deputy Head Teacher of James Bateman Middle School in Biddulph is aiming to raise some money for a great cause when he takes on the London Marathon in October.

Lee Pace, aged 45, will be tackling the world-famous 26.2 mile course on October 3rd in aid of Breast Cancer Now after his mum recovered from breast cancer following her diagnosis in 2019.

He has already raised an incredible £417 to date, but is hoping to raise even more with a target set at £2,000.

Lee says he wants to raise money to help others beat breast cancer by supporting a charity that conducts research about the disease and supports those who are suffering from it.

He said: "On the 27th November, 2019, my Mum (Josie) was diagnosed with Bi-Lateral (Both Breasts) Breast Cancer. To say it came as a shock is an enormous understatement. My Mum was scared, in fact we all were. Like so many people I immediately went to google for advice! Not always the best, but I came across the Breast Cancer Now website - it was amazing. It helped my family to help my mum.

"I went along to all my Mum's appointments with her. She had a wonderful team to support her at the Royal Norths Staffs Breast clinic and armed with the advice from Breast Cancer Now, I could ask all the right questions.

"She was 'lucky' - the Breast Cancer was found early. However, the technology, the procedures in which organisations like Breast Cancer Now have developed ensured that her operation was minimally invasive and her recovery much quicker. We also hope it will never come back.

"Breast Cancer Now continue to research, to support and to fight Breast Cancer. As a result my Mum continues to live a full life with her children and grandchildren.

"I wish all Breast Cancer Diagnosis ended in this way, but they don't. Everyday day, 31 people die from Breast Cancer; over 11,000 people die from this terrible disease each year. They leave behind their children, their parents, friends and family.

"So let's pull together, raise some serious money and Beat Breast Cancer."

Lee is no stranger to long distance runs, in fact it will be his 11th marathon to date, running his first in 1994.

However, he's had to get back into the swing of things with his last marathon being six years ago in 2015.

Despite this he told Nub News that training is going well, saying: "Training has been pretty good, although recovering always gets more difficult as you get older.

"My personal best time is three hours and 26 minutes, so I would love to beat that if I can, but you never know how it's going to go on the day, especially in the last few miles, so I would say its a 50/50 chance."

The marathon will be shown on BBC 1 with over 50,000 runners taking part, so eagle eyed viewers might have a chance of spotting Lee on his way round the course!

If you would like to donate to Lee's fundraiser ahead of the marathon and support Breast Cancer Now then please click here.