One Greenhithe resident is going to be taking on the London marathon despite not having run much before in memory of her best friend.

Alexandria Broad-Surry, 23, decided it was time to take on a challenge in memory of her great friend, Darel Bryan, who died in 2016.

Miss Broad Surry has lived in Darel’s flat in Empire Walk, Ingress Park, ever since he moved to East London, a year or so before he tragically passed away with a brain tumour aged just 34.

Now, the amateur runner will be dashing through the streets of the capital to raise money for brain tumour research.

Darel, a former Greenwich University student, was an otherwise fit and healthy 33-year-old before he was diagnosed with several tumours after he had a seizure at work.

Miss Broad-Surry said: “I met Darel after first meeting his partner Natalie, who was my manager when we were both working at Golden Square Post Production in 2010. I have never met anyone like Darel and Natalie – they were the perfect couple. We soon became very good friends, calling ourselves ‘The Three Musketeers’.

"We often went away for weekends together clubbing and to festivals to follow our favourite DJs. We also would go on holiday together to places like Ibiza and Croatia, where we enjoyed our time dancing as music was a great passion that the three of us shared.

“I was so shocked when Natalie phoned to tell me Darel had brain tumours. He was so fit and strong – a keen football player who played every week for his local team in the Sunday league. So why would he get a tumour? There is little known about this disease, so it’s important to me to do what I can and help raise funds for research."

A biopsy confirmed that the tumours were grade 4, meaning cancerous.

Because of their location surgery wasn’t suitable, so Darel underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments.

Natalie, 34, of Bow, said: “Darel endured six weeks of radiotherapy, 12 months of five different chemotherapies, two surgeries, over five months of hospital stays and every alternative and natural treatment we could lay our hands on, but his battle was never one he was going to win.

“I am extremely grateful to Alex for her continuing support and for taking on the London Marathon in Darel’s name.”

Since signing up for the London Marathon, Alex’s father, Robert Surry of Longfield, has been diagnosed with lung cancer and a brain tumour at Darent Valley Hospital and has undergone cyber knife radiotherapy at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea.

Miss Broad-Surry said: "This has given me a real kick to take my marathon challenge even more seriously. I will run, I will walk, I will dance and I will cry… but I will make it to the finish line. I’m doing it for Darel and my dad.”

By running the marathon, Alex will be raising money for Brain Tumour Research.

According to the charity, brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

Janice Wright, community fundraising manager for Brain Tumour Research said: "“For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer. Experiences like Darel’s remind us all that we cannot allow this desperate situation to continue. We are extremely grateful to Alex for her support and are appealing for runners who have a ballot place for the marathon to join her on Team Brain Tumour Research by nominating us as their chosen charity for 2018. Together we will find a cure.”

To see Alex's Justgiving page, click here.