Friend completes challenge to remember hero soldier

26 April 2010

A former soldier completed his challenge to run a race for every year of his friend’s life when he crossed the finishing line of the London Marathon.

Kristian Williams ran 21 races for his 21 year old friend Rifleman Jamie Gunn from Monmouth who died last year in Helmand Province.

Completing the final gruelling leg in 3 hrs 52 minutes Kristian, who served for four years in the Royal Logistics Corps, said he was “exhausted but happy.”

“Whenever it got tough I just though about this being the 21st race and the final part of the challenge I set myself” said Kristian, who has also set himself a challenge of raising £2100 for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

“People probably wondered why I was smiling inanely as I was running but I was thinking about finishing it all!”

Jamie’s sister Jess Gunn was part of a group of friends who travelled down to support Kristian.

“The whole family are so moved by what he’s done and are incredibly proud of him” she said.

“It’s not just the races, it’s all the training and all the admin which he’s had to complete.

“It’s an amazing way to remember my brother; he would be so chuffed and wouldn’t believe anyone would go to that effort for him!”

Anyone wishing to donate to Kristian’s challenge can do so at www.justgiving.com/jamiegunn