A SOLDIER has completed a 32 mile run in memory of a friend.

John Middleton, who lives in the St John's area of Worcester, ran alongside the Birmingham to Worcester Canal on Sunday in memory of Jack Sanders.

Mr Sanders, aged 22, died in March this year following a three year battle against cancer.

Mr Middleton, who serves with the Royal Engineers, said the run was "an emotional ride".

"It was emotional to say the least," the 29-year-old said.

"It started off very well but as soon as I hit the 22 mile point my legs were like coiled springs that were rusted together. But with the support of Chris Adams, Leon Kirkpatrick, Daniel Knott and Martin Rawlings I could see the end getting closer.

"We actually lost Martin and Chris at the 15 mile point but they managed to catch back up and join back up with us five minutes before the finish. There was a waiting crowd screaming at the finish which helped me speed up at the last half mile. I finished the run in six hours.

"Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I will definitely be doing something bigger and better next year.

"Jack was my daughter's uncle and a very close friend to me. Jack was a great guy and I wanted to do my bit in his memory."

Mr Sanders, who grew up in Whitbourne, near Bromyard, also lost both of his parents to cancer when he was young, and at the time of his death his friends called him "an amazing person" to have gone through what he did.

Mr Middleton has so far raised £1,400 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity which supported Mr Sanders.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/John-Middleton7.