THE memory of a Winchester student killed in a road accident has spurred her friends to take part in a marathon run.

Emilie Harris, a former pupil of St Swithun’s, was killed in 2004 when cycling near St Catherine’s College, Oxford, where she was studying.

Ex-students of St Catherine’s arranged a long-distance running relay from Edinburgh to London to raise funds for Emilie’s Charities, a charity set up in her memory.

The event started in Edinburgh by the light of the moon on the morning of Thursday May 2 and finished in bright sunshine on the steps of St Paul’s, London on Monday May 6.

Most runners did five-mile stages, often in fancy dress. The event raised nearly £30,000 for the charity and was carried out in a joyous spirit throughout.

Emilie’s parents, Martin and Judy Harris, from Shawford, said: “It is really wonderful what the students have achieved in Emilie’s name.”