Marathon Keira will run every step for brave Nic

Keira Lightbody will be taking on the 26.2 mile race on April 22 in memory of her cousin Nic Crouch.

A former paratrooper, he went on to work in the Middle East for private security firms and was protecting US troops building a hospital in Mosul in northern Iraq when he was killed in a suicide car bomb attack in July 2010.

In a letter he had written to his parents in case of his death he said: “If I should be killed in Afghanistan/Iraq and the media is interested, I should like them to know how I and all the other former soldiers contributed to the Great Game.

“I seek no personal glory, but many good Paras and ex-Servicemen have died supporting these operations with little or no recognition of their bravery.”

After his death his family campaigned for recognition for Nic and others like him, and he was the first to be awarded the civilian service medal.

At his funeral, Nic asked relatives to raise money for Combat Stress, a charity that helps veterans suffering from mental health problems such as depression or post traumatic stress disorder.

Keira, 24, said: “He wanted to get recognition for those who have been excellent servicemen, and who, after their duty, have gone on to serve in other ways.

“Nic has done a lot for other people and I wanted to do something for him.”

Keira’s goal is to raise raise £1,500 for Combat Stress and finish the marathon in less than five hours, running every step “even if I have to crawl”.

A waitress at Leamington restaurant Le Bistrot Pierre, the former North Leamington School pupil is holding a fundraising dinner on tomorrow at which the restaurant is auctioning prizes such as the chance to have a Michelin-starred chef cook at their house.

Meals cost £30.10 per person. At least £10 from every meal, and £1 from the price of every bottle of wine, will go to Combat Stress.

To book places call 426261.

http:www.combatstress.org.uk