RUNNERS who smashed their fundraising target for a friend battling cancer have earned recognition from Cancer Research UK.

Adrian Bell and Diana Yeoell completed the Amsterdam Half Marathon last year after hearing the devastating news that running buddy Rebecca Bok needed surgery for a brain tumour after recovering from breast cancer less than a year earlier.

The team, who all met at the Swindon running group Shin Splints, set up a fundraising page with a target of £2,000 in October.

They hit £4,000 in November and went beyond £5,000 by February.

The cancer charity has now sent a certificate congratulating them on their hard work in raising a total that stood at £5,126 at the time of going to press.

Diana, a nursing sister at the Ramsbury GP surgery whose own father died from cancer while she trained for the race, said: “We have been totally overwhelmed by the response to our fundraising, our initial target being only £2,000.

“It is so touching see all the kind, generous donations on our fundraising page, from so many family, friends, colleagues and even anonymous strangers.

“We feel so very proud to have been able to raise such an amazing total of over £5,000, a big thank you to everyone.

“One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Whilst survival rates are improving ongoing research is vital. Cancer Research is a charity and totally relies on our donations.

“We just need a cure for this disease, and every penny counts.”

Rebecca has now completed her chemotherapy after recovering from brain surgery and will undergo more surgery this year.

Her long journey battling the disease hasn’t dampened her spirits and she is still determined to take up running herself once she fully recovers.

Adrian, who works at IT company OATS in Swindon, said: “Rebecca has now set herself a target of running in the Cancer Research Winter 10k run in February 2020.

“She has set up her fundraising page and is totally focused on building up her health and fitness. We are looking forward to running with her again.”

The aim of the close friends is to reunite for the 2020 Amsterdam Half Marathon.

“She’s amazing,” added Diana. “She made herself have a goal to work towards, you have to focus on a goal ahead of you.”

Members of Shin Splints will take part in the Cancer Research London 10k in July in memory of another runner who died from bowel cancer this year.