THE DAUGHTER of a 'very well respected' fireman who died of a brain tumour will run in his footsteps at the London Marathon.

In 1999 doctors discovered Bruce King, of Abridge, had a brain tumour.

Despite an intense course of radiotherapy, the firefighter of 27 years and three times London Marathon runner died three years later, at the age of 52.

On April 22 daughter Jo will take on the same race Mr King once completed in an impressive three hours and twenty minutes.

She said: "As a little girl I used to watch him from the side of the race.

"It has been a long held ambition of mine to run the marathon."

Mrs King started running in October and reached the 19 mile mark during training on Saturday.

As she adds an extra mile each week, money has been pouring in for her chosen fundraising recipient, The Brain Tumour Charity.

"It was very distressful to see him when he was ill," the hospital typist said.

"It was painful to watch someone so fit end up in a wheel chair.

"People used to call him David Hasselhoff because he had muscles in places you didn't even know you could have muscles and he always wore shorts and a vest.

"He was a happy and caring person. He always had time to talk to everyone and he loved to do so."

Mrs King, who lives in Abridge with her two children and husband, has organised a fundraising car wash between 10am and 2pm on March 17 at Brookside Garage, Gravel Lane.

As well as an opportunity to get your vehicle washed, the day will include a raffle with prizes including a crash helmet, laser tag tickets and a free MOT.

The 41 year-old added: " I am fundraising for The Brain Tumour charity in his memory and to continue to try and support other families who are sadly going through this horrendous ordeal."

To donate, go to tinyurl.com/ybj2sauj