A MUM of two from Bridgwater, who lost her friend to a brain tumour, took on the Great South Run to raise funds for research into the disease.

Katy Drabble, 36, completed the challenge in memory of John Heath, also from Bridgwater, who died from an aggressive glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in April this year, just three weeks after diagnosis at the age of 87.

Thousands of runners take part in the ten-mile run on Sunday. Participants were able to take in the iconic sights of Southsea and Portsmouth, including the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home of HMS Victory, the Spinnaker Tower and finishing on the seafront to take in beautiful views of the Isle of Wight.

Katy was be part of a 28-strong team who are raising money for the pioneering charity Brain Tumour Research, which funds a network of Centres of Excellence where scientists are focused on improving treatments for patients and finding a cure. Each day of research costs £2,740.

Katy said: “When John was diagnosed with his tumour I immediately signed up to take part in the Great South Run as it really hit home about the vital research that needs to be carried out if we are to find a cure for this awful disease.

“I’ve never run ten miles before, so this was be quite a challenge for me. I was able to let John know I was taking part in the race before he died.

"I enjoyed the first six miles and then it got really hard and my pace slowed, but I managed to run the course in 1hr 53mins.

"I was lucky to have my family and friends including John's partner there supporting me, plus there were kids giving high-fives and live music at various mile-points which helped me to keep going.

"I have managed to raise £1,810 which is way more than I anticipated, everyone has been really supportive.

"We finished by having fish and chips on seafront, before heading home with some paracetamol and an early night."

Tim Green, community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone, at any age, at any time. For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer. Stories like John’s remind us all that we cannot allow this desperate situation to continue.

“We wish Katy and all our runners good luck for the race. The money raised from the event will help to fund the work at our four Centres of Excellence, including our flagship centre at the University of Portsmouth. This is where world-leading research into the causes of brain tumours and improving treatments is taking place.”

To make a donation to Brain Tumour Research via Katy’s JustGiving page, go to justgiving.com/Katy-Drabble2.