EX-MARINE Nigel Stephenson is flying thousands of miles - to run 26 miles to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Mr Stephenson, 32, of Appleby, who works in the family green grocery business in Kirkby Stephen, is taking part in the New York Marathon on November 5.

"The customers at our two shops in Appleby and Kirkby Stephen have been very generous and sponsorship so far has reached £1,300," he said.

Last year he raised £2,300, running the world-famous London Marathon in three hours and 50 minutes.

Local charities Cerebral Palsy and the Appleby playground shared the sponsorship raised through the run.

He has also run the Edinburgh marathon, and this year to-date, three triathlons.

The Cumbrian countryside makes the perfect training venue for Mr Stephenson, who takes to the fells with his dogs Boris, a Labrador/springer spaniel cross, and Sam, a springer spaniel, to run a minimum of five miles a day.

"I always take to the fells.

The dogs and I love it up there.

"As the marathon gets nearer I will be taking longer training runs.

I don't work to a set programme but keep myself fit with swimming and cycling - and of course I eat a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables.

"Before the marathon I eat plenty of carbohydrates, such as pasta or potatoes.

But working with fruit and veg everyday, I eat plenty of food that is good for my health and training."

Mr Stephenson began running after having to give up playing rugby due to an injury.

He said: "I missed playing rugby and started to put on a bit of weight so I started running.

I decided to do the marathons for fun, but I realised I could raise money for charities at the same time."

Nigel is running the New York marathon as part of a weekend trip to the city

Anyone wanting to sponsor Nigel can do so by calling Stephenson's Greengrocers at Kirkby Stephen.