A STEAM train racing challenge across Dartmoor is to be recreated this summer, in tribute to one of the runners' father. In 1955, Michael Heaton's father Brian, then 24-years-old and doing his National Service, staged a race against a steam train on its way from Yelverton to Princetown. He and two fellow-soldiers believed they could jump off the train at Ingra Tor Halt, take a one and-a-bit mile short cut across Dartmoor while the train did a 2.75-mile circuit around the hills, and then hop back on at King Tor halt. Their plan almost collapsed when the train's fireman realised what was happening, stoked up the engine and chugged along at top speed — cutting four minutes from the expected journey time. But two of the soldiers made it — to hearty applause from fellow passengers. Michael, 50, from St Giles Croft, Beverley, near Hull, has decided to re-enact the race 59 years on, to raise money for the charity Bowel and Cancer Research. The escapade on August 9 will be a tribute to his 82-year-old dad who is now bedbound and has memory problems. Joining him will be Michael's son Joseph, 23, and his fell-runner cousin Paul Hindle, 52, from Keighley. 'As I boy I heard dad tell this story many times,' said Michael. 'My objective now is to try and simulate a bit of the past and to share a moment with him. 'I'll report back with photos and a video for my dad. 'His long-term memory is quite good, and it will definitely create a spark of recognition.' 'He'll be thrilled that his grandson and nephew are joining in. We're hoping to beat the target time my dad set all those years ago.' The Princetown to Yelverton railway line was closed in 1955, three months after Brian Heaton's great race, but the track is now a walking and cycling route. Michael has therefore arranged with local farmer Barry Landick to re-enact the train journey with his Land-Rover. Michael, from Hull, said: 'He's going to drive at an average 18mph on the old train route from Ingra Tor to King Tor, whilst I make a dash for it over the hills — it's all systems go.' He will be raising money for the International Child Campaign, and for Bowel and Cancer Research in memory of his sister, Lesley Ann Johnson, who died at the age of 48 in 2008 after suffering from bowel cancer. 'Dad thought the world of my sister, so this is for both of them,' said Michael. Chief executive of Bowel and Cancer Research Deborah Gilbert thanked Michael for his support. She said: 'More than 16,000 people die of bowel cancer in the UK every year, and our aim is to change that.' Anyone who wants to support Michael's fundraising can visit http://mydonate.bt.com/teams/trainrun">http://mydonate.bt.com/teams/trainrun