A FIRST-time half marathon runner is fundraising in the name of his cousin who was killed in the Bataclan terror attack in Paris.

Lawrence Britt, who is originally from Colchester, is taking part in the Colchester Half Marathon alongside partner Jaime-Leigh Maynard for the Nick Alexander Memorial Trust.

The trust was set up after former Colchester Royal Grammar School student Nick was one of 89 killed at the theatre where he was working for the Eagles of Death Metal. He was 35.

The trust was set up to continue to use music to contribute positively to people’s lives.

Lawrence will join thousands of others taking on the 13-mile course on Sunday and will be cheered on by relatives including Nick’s parents, Sheelagh and Barry, and Nick’s sister Zoe Alexander.

Lawrence, 30, said: “A lot of people raise money for charities which is fantastic, many of whom have personal ties or reasons for doing so.

“Because the trust was set up by the family, in memory of a member of the family, you can’t get anymore personal than that so it’s added motivation for me.

“This run is a great opportunity to raise the profile of the trust and make a positive difference through the money we raise, as well as being a way for us to remember Nick and continue his legacy through the musical projects the trust will help to fund.

Gazette:

Nick Alexander was inside the Bataclan Theatre in Paris

“My partner and I entered the marathon in the middle of last year.

“It was one of those things you think is forever away and before we knew it, we were sat there Christmas morning, which was three months to the day of the marathon and thought, actually, we better get ourselves in gear.”

Formula 1 software developer Lawrence, of Northfleet, Kent, has averaged four runs a week for the past few months.

Girlfriend Jaime-Leigh has put him through his paces as someone accustomed to running.

He said: “Running with Jaime has really helped. We’ve motivated, encouraged and pushed each other and it’s been a huge help having someone who has done these kind of events before alongside me.”

The family has raised nearly £500 for the trust.

To sponsor Lawrence click here.

READ MORE: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THIS WEEKEND'S HALF MARATHON