FOR Gary McLaughlin fitness is a way of life, but the New York marathon is going to be a challenge.

The 21-year-old, who works at Castle Place leisure centre in Trowbridge is travelling to the USA to take part in the world famous event in November.

He said: "I'm really looking forward it.

"It is one of those really good opportunities that come up just once in a lifetime." Mr McLaughlin decided to enter the race after seeing a leaflet.

He is running on behalf of the Bristol Cancer Help Centre and has to raise at least £2,000 in sponsorship .

The centre promotes self-help and complementary therapies for cancer sufferers to try and enhance their quality of life.

Mr McLaughlin has worked at Castle Place for five years and is a keen runner. At the moment he runs 20 miles a week but is planning to increase that to 50 miles in the run-up to the marathon.

It will be his first full marathon, although he has done several half marathons and plans to do four more this year, including those in Exeter and Plymouth.

The New York event is on November 2, his mother's birthday, and he is hoping both his parents will be there to cheer him on.