A KEIGHLEY woman has completed a gruelling marathon challenge in tribute to a friend with kidney disease.

Louise Charlton ran three marathons in successive weeks to raise money for Kidney Research UK.

She tackled the Manchester Marathon first, the London event the following Sunday and then the Belfast Marathon.

"It was tough but I managed to finish all three and in under four hours – which was my aim," said Miss Charlton, of Exley Head.

"The last one was the hardest. I was really tired and it was a hilly course. But ironically I got my best time in that one – three hours and 42 minutes."

Her effort coined-in just over £1,000 through donations and sponsorship.

"I was delighted with that – I was only expecting to raise £500," she said.

"I would like to thank everyone who gave their support."

Her 30-year-old friend, who doesn’t wish to be named in the paper, had a kidney transplant about 13 years ago but will need another.

"She was fine for a while but then her body started to reject the kidney," said Miss Charlton

"I have spent years watching her undergo operations due to kidney failure and endure countless hospital stays, yet she always manages to smile and stay strong.

“She is a real inspiration and makes me so proud to be her friend."

Kidney Research UK finances research into the causes and prevention of kidney disease and raises awareness. Visit kidneyresearchuk.org for more details.