A KIDNEY transplant patient who completed the London Marathon is limbering up for his next challenge - the New York Marathon.

It is just over two years since 33-year-old Harry Burrell, from Harrogate, underwent a life-saving kidney transplant operation at St James's Hospital in Leeds.

And after completing the London run in four hours 22 minutes in April, Mr Burrell is determined to turn in an even better time on November 6.

He is building up his training schedule around his home in Pannal, running part of the way with his dog Simba, a Leonberger, which captured third prize at Cruft's.

Mr Burrell, who at one time could not keep up with the dog, can now outrun it.

"The dog got fitter and I managed to get faster," he said.

Running the New York event will cost £700 to £800 and Harry is certain he can again raise a sizeable sum for the National Kidney Research Unit.

It will be channelled into the charity's work in the Yorkshire region. His London run raised more than £6,500.

Mr Burrell underwent a transplant nine years ago, but the kidney was rejected. Until the successful operation, he had been on dyalisis since he was 12

His determination to complete the London Marathon was underlined by the fact that he did so after a fellow runner accidentally kicked a shoe off. He spent several valuable minutes recovering it amid hundreds of pounding feet.

Offers of sponsorship for Mr Burrell can be made on (01423) 871307.