A Strabane man is preparing to run the Dublin Marathon to raise money for the North West Cancer Centre at Altnagelvin Hospital.

Jason Pollock will take part in the event on October 25. It is his first marathon.

He has set a fundraising target of £3,000 and has already collected more than £2,100 through an online campaign.

Mr Pollock said the centre provides essential care and support to cancer patients across the region. He highlighted two recent family events as his motivation.

His uncle Mark Sharkey died after battling cancer. Shortly afterwards, his cousin Mickey Walsh, aged 30, received a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer.

Mr Pollock said treatment from the centre would be vital for his cousin's fight.

He urged people to contribute to the fundraiser, stating that donations of any size would help the centre continue its work.