Rebecca Wendel is running the London Marathon in memory of her friend who died four years ago after suffering from the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy.

The 30-year-old, who runs The Green Hair & Beauty in the town, will be raising money for the Cardiomyopathy Association.

The charity offers support to families affected by the condition that kills four young people every week in the UK.

Rebecca's friend Stephen Checkley was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy early in 2004.

The condition causes the heart muscle to enlarge and pump less strongly.

In severe cases a heart transplant is needed and Stephen underwent his in August that year, but died four weeks later.

Soon afterwards Rebecca, who had no running experience, started training and first ran the London Marathon for the Cardiomyopathy Association in 2006.
She continued to keep fit and decided to run it again this year.

She said: "Although I have a knee problem, training is going well and I have just run 20 miles. I am hoping to complete the course in under five hours and raise more than £1,000 for the charity."

Cardiomyopathy affects around 1 in 500 people of all ages, including babies.

But with early diagnosis and treatment most sufferers are able to live long and full lives.

The charity also raises awareness with the medical profession, including running medical conferences for doctors and nurses.

* To sponsor Rebecca, visit: www.justgiving.com/rebeccawendel1