A BUILDING site manager is stepping out to raise funds for a charity which is close to his heart.

Nineteen years after he was diagnosed with lymphoid leukaemia, 39-year-old Barry Metters is to run the Reykjavik marathon, in Iceland.

At the age of 20, Mr Metters, from Chester-le-Street, underwent a bone marrow transplant at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, having found that his brother, Allan was a perfect match.

Now he hopes to raise money for Marrow 2000, a research programme based at the hospital's haematology department.

Since his transplant, Mr Metters, now a site manager with Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North-East, has taken part in eight marathons across the world, raising about £4,000 for bone marrow charities, including the Anthony Nolan Trust.

He said: "The care I received while I was undergoing my treatment was excellent. I want to give something back so that the hospital can continue its research to offer the best treatment possible to patients with leukaemia."

In preparation for the 26-mile run, on August 18, Mr Metters is doing three six-mile runs during the week and a 21-mile course at weekends.

He hopes to complete the gruelling course in under four hours.

Dave Mellor, managing director with FHM North-East, added: "Barry is a real inspiration.

"His dedication and commitment is evident and we are sure that this will hold him in good stead for the race. We wish him every success."