FOUR friends are preparing for a 43-hour pool marathon in memory of a former soldier.

David Brown, from Thornley, died in St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham, in September 2014, aged 43.

Last year, his school friend Leigh Mavin and fellow pool enthusiast Michael Flowers staged a 24-hour pool tournament at Belmont Working Men’s Club and raised £1,500 in sponsorship for the hospice.

This year, Mr Mavin, 44, and three other friends, Matthew Christopher, John Mavin and David Harrison, will return to the same venue for a 43-hour challenge, beginning at 9.45pm on Friday (January 22).

Mr Mavin said: “We are playing for 43 hours to mark David’s age when he lost his brave battle with cancer.

“St Cuthbert’s Hospice was there for David when he needed them and they continue to support his family now.

“He spent more than 20 years in the Army protecting our freedom and way of life, so for me to go 43 hours without sleep for a cause so close to his heart is the very least I can do.”

To sponsor the effort, visit justgiving.com/david-brown-memorial-pool-marathon-2016