Shortly after being diagnosed with cancer 21-year-old Gary Scott from Helston vowed to beat the disease and run the London Marathon to celebrate.

Sadly, just six months later, he lost his battle, never having the chance to fulfil his ambition. However, just before he died one of his best friends, Sam Autie, promised to run in his place if he was unable to.

Sticking to his promise, Sam has now joined with another of Gary's best friends, James Scorey, to book their places in the marathon - which takes place on Sunday, April 22 - and run it in Gary's memory.

They will be running in aid of CLIC Sargent, the charity that supports children and young people suffering from cancer and leukaemia.

To be able to run, the pair have to raise £3,000 between them, which will then go to the charity. To help secure the funds, the pair organised a charity night at The Bell pub in Meneage Street, Helston, where Sam works.

The event proved to be hugely successful, with the pub filled to bursting point with Gary's friends, relatives and well-wishers.

Money was raised through the sale of raffle tickets, with proceeds from a selection of drinks also going to the charity fund. Entertainment was provided by local band Jonestown, who agreed to perform for free.

The event raised a total of £1,683, with the raffle - that featured prizes donated by local residents, businesses and The Bell landlord Neal Hicks - raising £433 on its own. The money will be split between the pair's marathon funds.

James Scorey said: "It went really well and we were really pleased - really over the moon. We'd just like to thank everybody and Neal in The Bell in particular for putting the event on."

Of the marathon he said: "Neither of us are natural runners, but it's getting easier with training. We are really looking forward to it and we're very excited. Gary wanted to run the marathon and never got the chance to. We're going to run it in his honour."

Sam added: "Throughout his illness he was always incredibly positive and raised a lot of much needed money for CLIC Sargent. We have chosen CLIC Sargent as the charity we are running for because they were always there to help Gary in any way they could.

Seeing first hand the difference those people make was amazing and if we can raise enough money for them to help others in Gary's situation then that can only be a good thing."

Anyone who wants to donate money to James' and Sam's marathon fundraising can contact James on 07734 424170 or visit their websites at www.justgiving.com/cornishsam and www.justgiving.com/cornishjames.