A WINCHESTER woman is raising awareness of the UK's biggest cancer killer after losing her close friend.

Fi Edmondson is one of 11 runners to be part of a virtual half marathon in memory of Georgie Gatenby, who died of lung cancer at 37-years-old.

Georgie had started to get breathless but, being a non-smoker, was not overly concerned. Instead she put it down to needing to get back swimming and generally taking a little more exercise.

Weeks later, she was diagnosed with incurable lung cancer and died eight months after diagnosis.

“I have just celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary, a day that Georgie was such an enormous part of and a milestone that she will not get to celebrate with Chris,” said Fi.

"I wanted to take part in the run to support the incredible work of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

"This charity is trying to improve early diagnosis to give people a better chance to fight this horrendous disease. Then they, like me, will have a chance to celebrate all the milestones of their lives with their loved ones.”

The group were due to be taking part in the Bournemouth half marathon, raising money for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

Now they are syncing their half marathons around the UK to raise much needed attention about the disease, whilst also celebrating Georgie’s life.

Paula Chadwick, chief executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, said: "Lung cancer already takes the lives of too many people. Fi has seen it, losing Georgie so quickly.

"The pandemic is likely to inflict the same heartbreak on even more families. Lung cancer was not cancelled.

"It will not wait patiently for the pandemic to be over. Instead, it will thrive on the anonymity of covid unless we take action.

"So please, if you are experiencing any symptoms, including a persistent cough or breathlessness, contact your GP. Georgie is a stark reminder than lung cancer is a disease that can affect anyone.

"Getting diagnosed early gives you the best prognosis.”