Widow ends anniversary marathon in wedding dress

Laura Coleman-Day and Kate Walford ran the marathon to raise money for cancer research

A widow whose husband died of blood cancer has completed the London marathon while wearing her wedding dress.

Laura Coleman-Day, from Lincolnshire, took part in the running event on Sunday as part of a challenge to run 13 marathons in 12 months to raise money for a blood cancer research charity.

She ran the marathon with her friend Kate Walford, from Guernsey, who is also running multiple marathons for her best friend who she lost to the disease.

Mrs Coleman-Day ran the last three miles wearing the dress and said completing the marathon on her wedding anniversary was "absolutely amazing".

'Inspiring people'

Mrs Coleman-Day briefly stopped running in the 23rd mile of the 26.2 mile race to put on the dress she wore on her wedding day, so she could be wearing it as she crossed the finish line.

She said completing the event in the dress was "hot", but she managed to do it along with Mrs Walford.

"It was absolutely amazing", she said.

"The crowds, the atmosphere and running with one of the most inspiring people I've ever met."

Mrs Coleman-Day's husband, Xander, died last year from post-transplant complications after developing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia - a rare type of cancer which affects the blood and bone marrow.

She ran the 13 races in 12 months for blood cancer and stem cell research charity Anthony Nolan.

Laura Coleman-Day and Kate Walford completed the marathon together

Mrs Walford ran the marathon in memory of her friend of 30 years - and son's godfather - Mark, who died in 2018 after getting leukaemia for the second time.

She said completing the event in memory or Mark and with Mrs Coleman-Day "did not disappoint".

"Despite the harsh conditions of the heat, we had the most amazing day meeting many other inspirational runners," she said.

"Watching Laura step into her wedding dress at mile 23 was such an emotional moment, reminding me what she has been through.

"The support from the crowds was incredible."

She added: "We crossed the line together and did Xander and Mark proud."