A LOVING cousin is pulling on his running boots today as he prepares to tackle the London Marathon.

Rebecca Lefort

A LOVING cousin is pulling on his running boots today as he prepares to tackle the London Marathon.

Chris Johnston-Plumb is taking on the challenge in memory of David Halley-Frame who died in August 2005 after suffering a suspected asthma attack in Ipswich town centre.

It took ambulances 28 minutes to reach the 25-year-old and since then his friends and family, particularly his mum, Diane, have tirelessly raised money for Asthma UK.

Now 29-year-old Mr Johnston-Plumb is joining in on the act by signing up for the marathon.

The former Holywells High School pupil, who now lives in Salisbury with his wife and one-year-old daughter, Afia, said: “When we were young we were always together. We were best friends through school and I was devastated by his death.

“His family and friends have done so much for Asthma UK but because I have been away working with the RAF I haven't been able to do as much as I would like.

“So I thought about what I could do to help and contacted Asthma UK to get my place.

“At the end of each run when I ache and everything hurts I think to myself 'why am I doing this' but then I think of David and remember I am lucky.”

Mr Johnston-Plumb, who spent five years as a nurse with the RAF but is now studying for a degree in garden design, has also arranged an evening of entertainment to help the cause.

The event will be held on March 21 at the Suffolk Staff Club in Civic Drive, Ipswich.

Mr Johnston-Plumb, who aims to raise at least �1,500 and has collected more than �650, is hoping companies will offer prizes for a raffle at the event.

To support Mr Johnston-Plumb visit www.justgiving.com/chrisjohnstonplumb or e-mail cjjp@ymail.com.

Are you running the London Marathon? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.