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John Masey (left) is running the London Marathon to help raise money for, and create aware-ness of, the Royal Free Hospital's pulmonary hypertension unit, which treated Joanita Gomez, the wife of his friend Oscer (right)

RUNNING the Flora London Marathon will mean a lot to John Masey as he honours a friend who died of a rare disease.

Mr Masey, of Beecham Berry, Basingstoke, wants to raise as much money as possible for the Royal Free Hampstead Charitable Trust, which conducts research into pulmonary hypertension.

Mr Masey's friend of 25 years, Joanita Gomez, died last August from the rare lung disorder, which causes the walls of the blood vessels to thicken and can stop blood travelling to the heart. He has vowed to raise at least £5,000 for the trust.

Mr Masey, 36, said: "In May 2006, during one of my visits to Joanita's home, I spoke with her of my intention to enter the London Marathon to raise money for, and create awareness of, the Royal Free Hospital's pulmonary hypertension unit.

"Joanita seemed so happy with the idea, but never did I imagine that I would now be running the London Marathon in memory of this dear lady."

The senior buyer, who works for Linde Material Handling in Basingstoke, undertook his first marathon three years ago.

To sponsor Mr Masey, visit www.justgiving.com/JGomezmemorialrun

11:06am Monday 2nd April 2007

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