AN optometrist from Launceston has pushed herself to the limit while running the London Marathon in memory of two close friends.

The death of her friends from a highly aggressive brain cancer was the inspiration behind Ruth Nordmann’s participation in this year’s iconic London Marathon.

Ruth, who has worked at the locally owned and run Specsavers Launceston store for 15 years, joined the thousands of other participants in running the impressive 26 mile route on April 26.

Ruth, 52, was running for The Brain Tumour Charity, which funds research into the condition, as well as providing support for those who are affected and raising awareness.

Commenting on her charity of choice, she said: “I chose the charity because last year my friend and work colleague of more than 15 years so very tragically lost her husband, Alex, to a brain tumour. Within weeks my husband lost his friend and work colleague Rich to the very same evil illness.

“Both men were in the prime of their lives and had gorgeous young families. It all happened so quickly.

“A year ago, Alex went to the doctors with headaches. Four days later he was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a highly aggressive malignant brain tumour.

“He bravely battled surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy for nine months before finally losing his fight in October of last year, leaving behind his loving wife Hayley and their two young children.

“Last year Rich was also diagnosed with glioblastoma in March. He fought bravely through some challenging times, but not being able to have surgery, radiotherapy only bought him a few extra months.

‘”t did at least allow him to hold his newborn son just weeks before he passed in September, leaving behind a devoted wife and their three amazing children.”

So far, Ruth has raised more than £2,200 for The Brain Tumour Charity, thanks to the support of friends, family, colleagues and the public.

”I’ve had phenomenal support. Here at the store we have an amazing team. We’re like a family. They arranged a bake sale and it was brilliant,” she added. “There were balloons and banners, and we sold cakes and cookies and biscuits. The people of Launceston really got behind us. They were incredibly generous, raising more than £330.

“The event was one of the most emotional, exhilarating and fantastic experiences of my life. It was really tough, but to be part of the world’s greatest marathon was mind-blowing.

“There was just short of 60,000 people on the run and it was a historic one because the world record was set for the first sub-two-hours marathon.

“It was an incredible day. There was so much love along that course. People lined the roads, bridges, rooftops, and when they saw my name on my shirt they were shouting my name. I just kept bursting into tears.

“It was about thousands of people all joining together. It was really life-affirming – a day I’ll never forget.”

Donations can be made to Ruth’s fundraiser via: www.justgiving.com/page/ruth-nordmann-1