A St Columba's High School teacher ran the London Marathon to raise £11,519 for the charity that helped his dying brother.

Chris Ash completed the 26.2 miles in April and presented a cheque to Marie Curie in Scotland last week.

He said: “The charity is very close to my family's hearts after the extraordinary care they took of my older brother, Richard, who was only 40 when he died. "Thanks to Marie Curie, he was able to spend his last weeks at home, surrounded by family and cared for by our guardian angel of a Marie Curie nurse.

"Words can’t come close to describing how she helped us through such a tragic experience of losing someone we loved so much, but the way she gave her time to us, as well as my brother, will never be forgotten."

Inspired to give something back to the charity, Chris decided to take on his first marathon and started to pound the pavements.

He said: "From the moment I signed up, I didn't look back.

"Training was hard with long runs in the wind and rain, but I kept remembering it was nothing compared to battling an illness, so it wasn't hard to stay motivated as Richard was never far from my thoughts."

And he's considering signing up again after a fantastic experience in London.

Chris explained: “The day itself was incredible, from forcing yourself to eat breakfast to walking to Greenwich Park with tens of thousands of other runners.

"The atmosphere around all 26.2 miles is unbelievable with total strangers screaming your name with encouragement – and handing out sweets for the all important sugar rush to get you through the next mile!

"Elation is the only way to describe crossing the line on The Mall."

He added: “I was humbled and extremely grateful for all the support and donations I received throughout.

"I was inspired by someone, so if I can inspire someone else that would be great. It seems daunting to start with but taking part in a marathon is a hugely rewarding experience and it's a great way to support the work of a charity dear to my heart."

Marie Curie community fundraiser for Fife, Jennifer Gale, said: "Chris has done tremendously well. Not only is a marathon a huge physical challenge, but he has raised an amazing £11,519 for Marie Curie in memory of his brother.

"I know his whole family are really proud of him and I am delighted he enjoyed running this challenge for Marie Curie."

To find out more about supporting Marie Curie, contact Jennifer on 0131 561 3951.