A man will take on a marathon challenge to raise money for a hospice charity in memory of a close friend.

Ashley Rubinstein, from Harrow, will run the London Marathon next month to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice.

He will race in memory of his friend Becky Kennett, who was cared for at the hospice in Kenton.

Mr Rubinstein said: “I will be taking part in the London Marathon, after a couple of warm up events, to raise funds for St Luke's Hospice in memory one of my best friends, Becky Kennett, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in August, 2013.

“Becky was an absolute inspiration. She was always full of good humour, even at times when she was really struggling, and she far exceeded the doctors’ expectations, given the prognosis, thanks to the amazing care she received at St Luke's Hospice.

“It is because of her fight and unbelievably strong spirit throughout her illness that I am inspired to want to support St Luke's in her memory.

“St Luke’s care for people whose illnesses are no longer curable, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life during the final stages of their illness.

“They care for patients through their in-patient unit, out-patient clinics, and day care unit, as well as in patients' own homes through their community and home care teams.”

Mr Rubinstein is one of eight people who will be taking on the 26.2-mile run in aid of the hospice which cares for people with cancer and other serious progressive illnesses in Harrow and Brent.

Those interested in sponsoring Ashley can do so by clicking here.