A Cornwall mum has been training for the London Marathon in memory of her friend, who died of brain cancer just weeks before Christmas.
Sam Boulting, from St Austell, will race the renowned 26.2 mile course on 21 April, in aid of Brain Tumour Research, having taken up running just last year.
The mother-of-one channelled her energy into running after the death of Simon Penwright, an operations director from Buckinghamshire, who died last November at the age of 52.
Simon, who was married to Sam's close friend Emily, had a blended family of four daughters.
Sam Boulting said: "Two months ago I ran my first 5k and since then my training has been stop start due to injuries and a nasty chest infection.
"Now I’m a week into a 16-week plan with dozens of other people whose lives have been impacted by brain tumours, all running for their own reason."
She added: "It was absolutely gutting to lose Simon.
"He really was one of a kind and it’s definitely left us all reeling with a massive hole in our hearts.
"When I told Simon I had a place in the marathon, his reaction was to ask if I had signed up whilst under the influence of alcohol.
"That’s what he was like, making jokes and a huge character."
Simon's diagnosis of brain cancer led him, Emily and their friends to raise more than £40,000 for Brain Tumour Research before Simon's passing.
Sam and Laura Thompson, a friend of Simon's from Bedfordshire, are taking part in the marathon, both in aid of the same charity.
The Cornwall mum added: "I didn’t know much about the disease before Simon, but have since learned that research into brain tumours has fallen by the wayside compared to other cancers.
"I look at how Simon’s family are continuing to fight, that’s why I’m doing it.
"For Simon, Emily and all the other families who have been devastated by this horrible disease."
Carol Robertson, national events manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: "With one in three people knowing someone affected by a brain tumour, Simon’s story is, sadly, not unique.
"Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease since records began in 2002.
"We’re determined to change that but it’s only by working together we will be able to improve treatment options for patients and, ultimately, a cure.
"We’re really grateful for Sam’s support and will be there to cheer her across the finish line in April."
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