Death of best friend led man to take up running

The pair were firm friends since childhood

A man who took up running after the unexpected death of his best friend will take part in a road race in his memory.

Sean Barratt, of Chellaston, Derby, began running six years ago after the death of his childhood friend and keen runner David Stokes, who used to tell him he would not even run to catch a bus.

Mr Stokes was an RAC worker attending a callout when he was struck and killed by a driver using their phone.

Mr Barratt, 39, says the pair were "like brothers" and on Sunday, he will take part in the Ramathon in his memory alongside thousands of other runners.

Mr Barratt said: "David was killed doing the job that he loved to do, assisting others.

"He was assisting a broken down vehicle at the side of the road and unfortunately somebody on their phone, betting on a horse race of all things, hit him and killed him.

"It hit me more than I ever thought something in these circumstances could hit somebody.

"I had known David since nursery, we were born a couple of hours apart and people used to say where you see David you see Sean, we were practically joined at the hip.

"David was very much the runner, he ran for his local running club and ended up running for his county as well."

David Stokes was killed while working for the RAC

Mr Barratt added: "He would often say I wouldn't even run for a bus, which he was correct in saying.

"After his death I really struggled with my emotions and I needed to find some way to channel.

"I thought it was fitting to pick up running and almost prove him wrong a little bit.

"I like to think when I run, I run with him."

Both men would have turned 40 this year

Mr Barratt had an operation on his upper leg earlier this year, which has had an impact on his training for the Ramathon and limited him to 5km.

But he said: "I don't have a strategy, just to get through it.

"Obviously it helps the waistline but when you set off you think, 'why am I doing this?'

"Hopefully when you think what it's for, it takes you through."

The Ramathon includes a half marathon and five-mile (8km) race.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.