THE Great South Run was particularly poignant for a group who ran in memory of soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Sapper Will Blanchard had worked at Dstl (the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) at Porton Down and was killed in Afghanistan six weeks after deploying as a reservist.

A group of 16 took part in the Great South Run, in Southsea, in his memory, carrying a loaded stretcher around the course in just under two hours.

Tim Wright, who had worked with Sapper Blanchard at Dstl, said: “It was really hard work, but crossing the line together was amazing. Will was super fit and loved this sort of stuff so we wanted to do something momentous. We gave ourselves a mission statement: push yourself to the limit.”

The group, named Wilburforce, also completed the three peaks challenge and have raised more than £10,000 since February for Will’s favourite charity, Help for Heroes.

Another pair of runners, Debbie Rose and Tracey Webb, also ran for Help for Heroes, completing the race in 2hrs 10mins and raising more than £500.

And Laura Mitchell, her father Alan and his colleague Stevie Mcleish ran in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising almost £1,500.