TWO schoolmates are nursing sore feet but preparing to run the London Marathon to raise funds in memory of their friend who was killed in Afghanistan.

Emma King, Kristian Williams and Jamie Gunn were all at Monmouth Comprehensive School where Kristian and Jamie were, as Emma says, "very close friends".

But 21-year-old Jamie who grew up in Berry Hill, was killed by an IED (improvised explosive device) last spring while on a tour of duty with 1st Battalion the Rifles, based at Beachley near Chepstow. His funeral brought the town of Monmouth to a standstill.

Kristian and Emma are both now running in the Marathon to raise funds for ABF The Soldier's Charity, who support soldier's families coping with loss, homelessness and offer help with retraining.

For Kristian, the run fulfills a pledge he'd made to Jamie to join him on the challenging uphill Kymin Dash.

Kristian, 24, who also served four years in the Royal Logistics Corps, recalls: "Jamie and I were going to undertake the Kymin Dash to see which one of us was the fittest. When I heard he had been killed by an IED I didn't want to just forget the plans to run the race because he couldn't be there with me, but make it one of many I've been running to celebrate Jamie's life.

"The London marathon will be the 21st race I have run since June 2009, each one to celebrate the life of my friend, the funniest person I've known."

Emma, who lives in Rockfield, has also been in training, completing the Forest of Dean half marathon at the weekend, and challenging Kristian to a girls versus boys netball match to be played this Sunday (April 4) at Monmouth Leisure Centre.

Jamie's mother, Janet Gunn, said: "I am so touched by the effort put in to fundraising by Jamie's friends like Kristian and Emma. If you want something to do on Easter Sunday, come and cheer them on."

Netball will be followed by a fundraising event with bands, disco and hog roast at Bridges Community Centre on April 10. To find out more contact Emma on 07841 135737 or go to http://www.justgiving">www.justgiving. com/Jamiegunn for