A CROWTHORNE woman has completed her first ever London Marathon in memory of three family friends who died of brain cancer in 2016 - raising £2,700 in the process.

Lucy Hall, 38, completed the race in seven hours and nine minutes for The National Brain Appeal charity.

She was quite overwhelmed towards the end of the race as she remembered the three close family friends she lost to brain cancer last year, Harry Aston and Paul Tysoe, also from Crowthorne, and Steve Nash from Henley-on-Thames.

Lucy has raised an impressive £2733.19 for The National Brain Appeal charity in their memory.

After the race, Lucy said: “I am feeling so proud and emotional. The whole experience has been so special and uplifting. It is a huge personal achievement for me and also my way of honouring the memory of our lovely family friends, Paul, Steve and Harry, who we sadly lost last year.”

She continued: “Having never attempted a marathon before, I took it at a moderate pace, running for the first half and then a mixture of walking and running for the second half of the race. I expected it to be tough and it was! My friends were at several cheering points along the way which helped so much. I knew mum and dad would be near Buckingham Palace, close to the finish line. It was a real boost to see them but it also brought out my emotions. I had tears in my eyes for the last mile and broke down in tears when I crossed the finish line. The race official who presented me with my medal gave me a big hug, which was lovely.”

Lucy, who is a a radiographer and manages the diagnostic imaging service at a London hospital, says they played a huge part in her life. She said: “My mum and dad have a big circle of friends and Harry, Paul and Steve were like uncles to me when I was growing up.”

The London Marathon has also played a big part in Lucy’s life. Her father Jeff Hall not only ran the race three times but he also volunteered as a marshal for the event.

Lucy, her mother Sally and sister Helen would get involved too.

Steve Nash died of brain cancer in February 2016, aged 74, having collapsed on Boxing Day. Paul Tysoe, also aged 74, was diagnosed with the same disease soon after his friend Steve’s death and died in March.

Harry Aston then also died from brain cancer, aged 74, in October the same year.

Lucy said: “It has been devastating for Harry, Paul and Steve’s families and for my parents. To lose three friends, to the same disease and in the same year is overwhelmingly sad.”

To support Lucy go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lucy-Hall28