First-time runner crossed the finish line of his first ever marathon in memory of a friend who lost his battle with Huntington's

First-time runner Jamie Coggins vowed to take up the challenge in support of Gourock man Colin Elliott and raise money for research to fight the devastating disease.

Dad-of-two Jamie bought his first pair of running shoes and spent a year pounding the streets in training.

Sadly Colin died a week before he ran the London Marathon, but Jamie went on to complete the tough 26 mile route, raising nearly £4,000 for the cause.

Colin's wife Brenda today paid an emotional tribute to Jamie and his family for their support.

Business analyst Jamie, of Brueacre Drive, said: "I went straight to a marathon - I had never even taken part in a 5k!

"It was tough but I was kept going by my daughter Eva holding a banner saying 'run daddy in memory of Colin'.

"My oldest daughter Lucia goes to school with Colin's daughter Hannah, we have known them for years.

"Colin had Huntington's since Hannah was young.

"We wanted to show our support and there was never any doubt in my mind that I would finish the London Marathon once I started."

Jamie crossed the finish line on April 28 after seven gruelling hours on the road.

He was inspired to get fit after he was diagnosed with type two diabetes.

The 46-year-old said: "I just needed to make a change and I needed the incentive to do it."

He began by signing up for the Couch to 5k app and started putting himself through his paces.

With support from his wife Claire, 45, a teacher, and his daughters Lucia, 15, and Eva, 10, he threw himself into a new training regime.

Now he wants to do it all again to raise money for the charity which supports Huntington's sufferers and their families.

Jamie added: "I am hoping to put in more training so I can run it faster this time round."

Brenda said: "It meant so much to us for Jamie to run the London Marathon.

"I was really touched by the banner Eva was holding up."

The brave mum recently spoke about her husband in a loving tribute to him in the Tele.

He was cared for in MacLehose Court and she had been leading a high profile campaign to keep it open after care providers Blackwood announced plans for it to shut.

Following Colin's death the family were overwhelmed by messages of support, including a card from Provost Martin Brennan.

To sponsor Jamie's next marathon visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamie-coggins2