JULIET Rowles is running the London Marathon in memory of a former Southampton woman who was killed in Spain.

Juliet is hoping to raise £1,500 for a special fund set up following the death of Kate Stokes, who was on a hiking expedition in February last year when she froze to death.

She and her partner, Rob Rippengal, who also died, were caught in a sudden snowstorm in the Picos de Europa mountains in Cantabria.

Kate, 35, worked for the BP Conservation Project and helped a huge number of young conservationists to gain practical experience.

Following her death her family launched the Kate Stokes Memorial Trust, which awards grants to exceptional projects.

Kate will be Juliet's inspiration when she and thousands of other runners pound the streets of London on Sunday.

The 32-year-old human resources specialist is a lifelong friend of Kate's brother Tony. They both went to the King Edward VI School in Southampton and competed in the 2003 Great North Run.

Juliet said: "I didn't get the opportunity to meet Kate but knowing her brother and the amazing things he has told me about Kate makes me very proud to be raising money on behalf of her memorial fund.

Juliet lives and works in London but grew up in Dibden, where her parents still live.

Last year she competed in the Great South Run as part of her preparation for the London Marathon.

She said: "Taking part in the marathon is something I've wanted to do for a long time."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Juliet should log on to her website, www.justgiving.com/julietrowles.