Widow, 69, runs half marathon for late actor

Lilian Turner is the widow of Prime Suspect actor John Benfield

A 69-year-old woman taking part in her first half marathon, all in her late husband's memory, says she expects to shed tears during the challenge.

Lilian Turner, from Witney, Oxfordshire, is the widow of actor John Turner - stage name John Benfield - who starred opposite Helen Mirren in four series of Prime Suspect, and died at Sobell House in Oxford in July 2020.

She is taking on the 13 mile route around Oxford on Sunday to raise funds for the "inspiring" hospice.

She told the BBC: "I'm actually running past the house we used to live in, so I think there'll be a few tears, and especially at the end."

Up to 13,000 runners and about 20,000 spectators are expected on Sunday.

Lillian will be power-walking the route with her great-niece Mila Lewis.

"I do love walking, and I thought how can I put that together with a charity which is very close to my heart, and my family's heart, and that is Sobell House Hospice where my husband was cared for, and I volunteer there once a week," she explains.

John was diagnosed with a sarcoma in December 2019 after a mass was found on his spine.

The couple were confined to their home because of covid restrictions, with their son unable to visit, though Sobell House staff were able to drop by. John died the following summer.

"I was so impressed and touched by the amount of care they gave my husband, and for me and my family actually at home," Lillian says.

"That helped enormously and the nurses still came to the house and they were just delightful, helpful, compassionate people."

John was diagnosed with a sarcoma in December 2019 after a mass was found on his spine

John made numerous television appearances, most notably as Michael Kernan, the supervisor of Mirren's Jane Tennison character.

He also featured in films such as Buster, In the Name of the Father, 101 Dalmatians, and Speed Racer.

"He was stopped all the time," Lillian says of her late husband's fame.

"The thing with John is he was a lovely guy. You'd think obviously I would say that, but he was a kind, funny, caring guy, and we'd be sitting in the pub having a drink with [fans] and I'd think 'sorry, can I just get on with my drink?'

"He would talk to everybody and just be kind because he said they're the people watching… he so appreciated his fanbase very much and he enjoyed acting."

The actor appeared in numerous TV and film productions, including the BBC's Titus Andronicus

Lillian is one of more than 300 runners in Team Sobell, raising funds to help the Oxfordshire hospice which provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care.

Niki Wardell-Yerburgh, senior relationships fundraiser, said: "The Oxford Half is always a highlight in our annual fundraising calendar, uniting runners of all abilities in support of Sobell House.

"We're thrilled to see Lilian take on this new challenge for the hospice. She represents the dedication and spirit of our supportive community.

"We wish her and all our Team Sobell runners the very best and we'll be out in force on the day to cheer them on."