A RUNNER raised more than £1,000 by completing the London Marathon in memory of a close friend who died of a heart attack.

Jim Taylor, 54, of Rudyard Drive, Darwen, raised the cash for Derian House children's hospice, Chorley, alongside a handful of Darwen Dashers running club members, who also took part in the 26-mile run on Sunday.

Jim decided to take the place of his friend, Bill Cook, from Southwood Drive, Baxenden, who collapsed in February.

He said: "Bill was 65 years old and he was a great runner. It all happened very suddenly. He was very fit and he'd been a Dasher for about eight years.

"He came home from work one night and he was in a pub when he had a heart attack. It was very unexpected."

Jim, who works as a residential social worker in Blackburn, had only had two months to prepare for the run but has had plenty of experience in the past.

He said: "I last ran the London Marathon six years ago and I did it in about four hours and 40 minutes. I did four hours 54 this time but it was very hot and I hadn't had long to prepare. I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for Bill."

Olga Cook, Bill's wife, said: "I'm very proud of Jim and I'm glad that he consented to run in Bill's place.

"Bill chose the charity and he would be pleased that Jim was running in his honour." Seven out of the 120-strong Dashers group took part in the race.

Gary Mitchell, of Punstock Road, has been running with the Dashers since they began 12 years ago.

He said: "Bill was so full of life and it was a real shock. He loved his pints and he loved a bet or two.

"We are happy to be running the race in honour of Bill."

Lisa Cooke, Derian House fundraising and volunteer co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted that Jim's taken up this challenge and of course.

"It's a very poignant thing for him to do upon the death of his friend. We are very grateful."

Anyone wishing to donate to the Dashers should contact 01254 722591.