A RYEDALE runner has decided to take on his first marathon - despite having just been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dave Pearson, who lives in Kirkbymoorside and is race director for the town's annual 10k, will run on behalf of the British Heart Foundation, in memory of his dad who died of a sudden heart attack, aged 62.

Mr Pearson was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an incurable condition, at the end of 2015 after a year of pain in his joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain in multiple joints, as well as fatigue and flu-like symptoms.

Mr Pearson said: "We have a very good team of GPs in Kirkbymoorside, the signs were spotted early and I was referred quickly.

"Having caught the condition in its early stages I was soon put on a medication used to slow its progression and limit damage."

However, initially, his consultant was "downbeat" about his chances of ever running again.

Mr Pearson has been a keen runner after taking it up in 2011.

"Thankfully," he said, "Dr Hughes at Kirkbymoorside Surgery was far more supportive and optimistic.

"With that encouragement, my own research and the fact I was starting to feel good again I returned to running in early 2016 with the attitude that I shall run for as long as I feel able."

A year of low motivation followed, however, with Mr Pearson only taking part in one event and mixing running with low-impact sports like swimming and cycling.

He said: "I needed a new challenge to keep me motivated. So, as 2016 drew to a close, I decided to reignite my desire to run a marathon. Some quick internet searching brought me to the Blackpool Marathon on the April 23 and I quickly signed up."

Despite finding it "difficult" to ask for money, he decided to run on behalf of a charity - the British Heart Foundation.

His mother has heart issues and 2017 marks 10 years since he lost his father.

"It feels fitting to raise funds in his memory at the moment," he said.

He is currently in training, going out running with his dogs - a labrador and a dalmatian.

He aims to raise £500 for the charity. If you would like to make a donation, go to justgiving.com/theyorkshiredad