A MAN is set to run the Brighton Marathon in memory of his best friend who died of a heart attack at just 17.

Albert Davies, from Seven Dials, is raising money for British Heart Foundation following his friend's death in 2010.

He said the charity had been very important to him following the death of Joshua Tuck, who had been suffering from a heart condition.

Albert said: “I have always said to myself that I wanted to raise money in memory of him.

“In lockdown, I got into running, realised I was better at it than I thought and saw that as an opportunity.”

Albert has been in training at least five days a week in preparation for the event next month.

He is aiming to run the 26.2 mile race in around four and a half hours, having run a half marathon in under two hours a few months ago.

Albert is hoping to raise around £350 for the charity, which funds research into heart and circulatory diseases, and has already collected just over £300 with a fortnight to go until the race.

“To raise the full amount would be amazing and the icing on the cake. It will help support people in a similar situation to Josh and that is what is motivating me,” he said.

Albert will join thousands of others in running the marathon on September 12, which starts at Preston Park and ends near Brighton Palace Pier.

The event will be Albert’s first time fundraising, but said it certainly won’t be his last.

“After I’ve done this, I want to do an ultra marathon and raise more money for the British Heart Foundation and also for some mental health charities.

“I’ve had quite a few friends kill themselves over mental health, so it has been something else I really want to raise money for.”

Donations to Albert’s fundraiser can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/albert-davies1.

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