A LEOMINSTER man is taking on the challenge of a lifetime to raise funds for a cause close to home.

Matthew Fear, aged 24, will be taking on the London Marathon in April to raise funds for LUPUS UK.

Lupus is an uncommon, complex condition that can affect any part of the body, and one that his aunt has battled with for more than a decade.

Matt said: "My auntie has had lupus for 11 years. Fortunately her doctor was aware of the symptoms and it was diagnosed at an early stage, although as a result of the illness she has had to undergo a kidney transplant in March 2013. For others it can take up to seven years to detect and can be too late."

Lupus can cause the body's immune system to attack itself and is difficult to detect as symptoms are similar to many other illnesses.

To sponsor Matt visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MattFear

Sponsor forms can be found at Wills Engineering on Glendower Road in Leominster or at Cameo on Eign Street in Hereford.