A RUNNER, whose best friend almost died of meningitis, has signed up for the London Marathon to raise money for research into the illness.

Nigel Ballard's friend Josh Benham fell ill with the condition when they were both in their first years at different universities.

The 33-year-old, of Wilson Road, Chaddesden, said: "I raced across the country to get to his hospital bed, fearing I would be too late. Luckily he pulled through, with no lasting effects after a long stay in hospital.

"This year, I was honoured to be best man at his wedding and I count myself lucky he is still with us."

Nigel is hoping to raise £2,000 for national charity Meningitis Research Foundation by running the race on April 25.

To help towards the total, his eight-year-old daughter, Alexandria, and her friends at Cavendish Close Juniors, in Chaddesden, will take part in a meningitis and marathon-themed quiz and sponsored fun run.

Nigel said Alexandria would be among family and friends hoping to watch him cross the finish line.

He said: "We're going to make a weekend of it.

"I'm on track with my training – the snow and ice slowed me up but now the weather has cleared I'm running up to 10 miles and am hoping to get up to around 16 before the race."

The money Nigel raises will help fund research into preventing, detecting and treating meningitis, raise awareness and provide support for those affected. Visit www.justgiving.com/Nigel-Ballard to support him.