Gravesend builder runs marathon in memory of friend's daughter
Sam Browne completed the run for Menigitis Research Foundation in memory of the death of a friends daughter
Inspired by the tragic death of a friend's daughter a decade ago a young builder took on his first London Marathon.
Sam Browne, of Frobisher Way, Gravesend, finished in just over five hours and, although disappointed with his time, was delighted to collect more than £1,000 for charity Meningitis Research Foundation, a cause close to his heart.
Mr Browne, 24, was only 14 when his ice hockey coach at Invicta Dynamos youth team suffered the loss of his 10-month-old daughter to meningitis, and the tragedy had a profound effect on him.
He said: "It shocked everyone at the club. I wanted to do something when I was younger but I didn't really know what. I've lost contact with him now, I think he has gone back to Canada, but I still always wanted to do something so when I got the chance I took it."
He revealed his sister-in-law's child also contracted the deadly disease last year but she was diagnosed early and made a full recovery.
Mr Browne said the marathon was the toughest physical challenge of his life.
He said: "It was torture. I used to play football as well as ice hockey but I have never felt so physically drained. I got cramp in my hamstring for the first time. It was terrible. After the 19th mile – I just wanted to finish."
n Through work colleagues and friends Mr Browne has collected more than £1,000 for the charity but to support him visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/sambrowne