A FORMER soldier who ran a marathon in memory of his best friend who was killed in Afghanistan has raised almost £5,000 for Help for Heroes.

David Henry, from Brandon, in County Durham, took part in the Brighton Marathon, on April 18, in honour of Corporal Lee Brownson, 30, from Bishop Auckland, who died while on foot patrol in Sangin, on January 15.

The pair became friends during Mr Henry’s ten-year Army career, and were both part of 3rd Battalion, The Rifles, until Mr Henry left the Armed Forces last year.

Mr Henry, 28, who now works for private security in Iraq wore a Help For Heroes vest with Cpl Brownson’s picture attached to it, and with the names of all those who have died during the conflict in Afghanistan printed on the back.

He raised more than £4,860 for Help for Heroes, and has already pledged to participate in the event next year.

“It went really well, and was a lot better than I thought it would be,”

he said.

“I was really pleased with the amount of money raised, I think it is brilliant. Hopefully I can raise even more next year.

“I thought I wouldn’t be able to walk afterwards, but I was OK, just a bit stiff for a couple of days.”

Cpl Brownson’s widow Leeanne, who is expecting their third child this summer, travelled to Brighton for the event with their daughters Ginalee and Morgan, Cpl Brownson’s parents and brother, and several family friends.

Mr Henry praised them for their support, which spurred him on.

It was the first time he had taken part in the 26.2 mile event, which he completed in three hours, 52 minutes, and finished 2,090th out of 12,000 runners.

●Wristbands supporting the 3 Rifles battalion are still available at The Northern Echo’s offices in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, and Priestgate, Darlington.

Hundreds of the bands have been sold since The Northern Echo launched a campaign to support the 3 Rifles Swift and Bold appeal.

They are available for a suggested donation of £2. Cheques should be made payable to Central Bank 3 Rifles (Wristband Appeal).