BUSINESSMAN Barry Newman, 62, is participating in Stroud Half Marathon in memory of his parents who died from cancer.

This will be the second race in a row for Barry, a father of two, who gave up running 25 years ago to set up his double glazing firm Alfram Ltd in Gloucester.

Last year Barry passed the finish line in 1 hour 51 minutes but this year he hopes to better his time by completing the race in 1 hour 45 minutes.

Barry's father Ron died six years ago followed and he lost his mother Iris three years later.

So Barry, who was a keen marathon runner in the 1980s, is stepping back into the sport to raise money for the Sue Ryder Hospice in Leckhampton, where his parents spent their last days.

"My father passed away from cancer and I have never forgotten the wonderful care he received at the hospice," said Barry, from Epney, who has two sons, Adrian and Paul.

"When my mum spent her last days there also battling cancer and was given the same standard of expert care, I realised I wanted to give something back."

BarryÕs wife Janice and step-daughter Emma Beacham will be cheering him on and holding street collections at the start and finish of the race in Cainscross Road and also in Stonehouse High Street on Sunday.

To sponsor Barry go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BarryNewman.