A woman from Royston is taking on her first marathon in more than a decade in memory of a friend who died suddenly last year.

Georgina Bowman did her first marathon 11 years ago, and the death of her long time family friend last year inspired her to apply to go the distance in London later this month.

She told the Crow: “I ran the New York Marathon 11 years ago, and I knew I had another one in me.

“I wanted to do London eventually, because the atmosphere is amazing being at home.

“This time I am raising money for the Outrigger Club UK – the UK’s largest outrigger canoe club – in memory of my friend Tim Osbourne.

“Outrigger canoeing is usually ocean-based – so it’s one the most exciting sports that you will see on the Thames and it’s a cause close to my heart.

“The club was set up in 2002 by a group of paddlers from the Thames Dragons Dragon Boat Club and the Hong Kong Island Paddle Club and my friend Tim was one of those founders.

“Tragically Tim died last year but he really wanted to encourage younger generations to get involved with this addictive sport, and I would like to help too.

“All money raised will be put towards fulfilling Tim’s ambition and I know I will be extremely proud to think I may have contributed in some way.

“I found out I was accepted to run on the day of his funeral.

“The more I can do to help the better.”

About training for the 26.2-mile challenge on April 22, which has seen her tackle the Milton Keynes Half Marathon in March as part of her preparation, she said: “I started training in January from stratch because, although I have run since, it wasn’t training for a marathon.

“Thinking about what I was doing it for has kept me on track – and I can’t wait now.”

Georgina has had lots of support from her husband Philip – who she said has been “brilliant” – as well as family and friends.

Georgina is three quarters of the way to her fundraising goal of £1,000. To add to her total go to https://uk.gofundme.com/raqvde-london-marathon