A RUNNER is taking on the London Marathon in memory of his teenage fiancée who was killed five years ago in a tragic car crash.Ruth Tidy, of Coney Weston Road, Sapiston, near Bury St Edmunds, died on March 23, 1998, when her Mini was involved in an accident at Euston.

A RUNNER is taking on the London Marathon in memory of his teenage fiancée who was killed five years ago in a tragic car crash.

Ruth Tidy, of Coney Weston Road, Sapiston, near Bury St Edmunds, died on March 23, 1998, when her Mini was involved in an accident at Euston. She was just 18-years-old.

With the fifth anniversary of her death tomorrow, Paul Dennington is preparing to run next month's 26-mile London Marathon in her memory.

"I've always been terrible at long-distance running, so I knew it would be a big challenge and a great way to raise money. To be able to say you have completed the London Marathon would be a massive achievement and in a strange way, I am looking forward to it," he said.

Paul, who first met Ruth at Thurston Community College, said he would be thinking of her as he completed the gruelling run.

"Ruth was always willing to help anyone, so I'm sure this is something she could identify with," said Paul, who is currently studying archaeology at Leicester University.

"She was a very friendly, happy, bubbly person and I'm sure she will be popping into my head as I reach around the 25-mile point."

Paul, who is known as Billy to his friends, has been training for the event since September and his hoping to raise more than £1,500 for Roo's Fund, set up after Ruth's death as an independent arm of the national charity, the Depaul Trust, which helps to educate young homeless people.

More than £11,000 has been raised for Roo's Fund since it was set up, something Ruth's parents, Ian and Jacqueline Tidy, say has really helped them.

Mr Tidy said: "She was such a caring person that this seemed a fitting memory. It never gets any easier but this has helped us through the last five years.

"Every day there is something that reminds us of her. She had a great love for life and whenever she was around there was always laughter. We have stayed in touch with Paul and his family has become great friends. We are so proud of what he is doing – it's just absolutely amazing."

To sponsor Paul, contact Mr and Mrs Tidy on 01359 269479.