A HALF-MARATHON runner will be taking on her next challenge abroad, in memory of a Salisbury vet.

Yoga teacher Alison Drake moved from Salisbury to Hong Kong 12 years ago, and after hearing the news that family friend Mark Richer had died, she decided to dedicate her latest 13.1 mile feat to him.

Despite the official event being cancelled due to Coronavirus concerns, Alison will still be going ahead with her challenge on Sunday, in a bid to raise money for the charity Mind.

The 37-year-old began running in 2009 when her own father was diagnosed with cancer, and she described running as “a light in life”.

She added: “[Running] kept me feeling strong and got me out and about on the days I really didn’t want to do anything.

“Losing someone you love is so hard and running has been such a support for me - reminding me that I am strong and if I keep putting one foot in front of the other, everything will be okay.”

Since her father died, Alison has tackled marathons and half-marathons across the globe, including London, New York, Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Paris.

So far she has raised £850 for Mind with the fundraising effort organised by her mother June Cherry, who met Mark when he treated her cat, Charlie, and they became friends.

She added: “Charlie couldn’t be saved but Mark did such a dedicated and caring job that I will always remember him for this. We did not wish my husband to be forgotten and this is why we want to also keep Mark’s memory alive, by doing something in his memory.”

Alison added: “I know [running] will be emotional, especially towards the end, but I feel so fortunate that I am able to run this race and in turn raise money to help others, and I hope to make my mother proud too.”

For more information visit justgiving.com/fundraising/cherry-drake