The best friend of a mum who died of cancer has run a gruelling 5km race in her memory despite being pregnant.

Nicola Emden was devastated when best friend Amy Morris, of Goldsmith Close, Rayners Lane, lost her battle against ovarian and bowel cancer aged just 24.

So every year since her death four years ago Nicola has run the Adidas Women's 5km Challenge in Hyde Park to remember her friend and raise money for charity, Cancer Research.

But despite family and friends advising against it Nicola took part in this year's tough race on Sunday last week even though she is four months pregnant.

The 30-year-old from Bushey, who works at Ladbrokes in Imperial Drive, Rayners Lane, said: "Amy and I were best friends since we were 16. We both did hairdressing and were always together but in April 2004 she passed away. She was only 24 and too young to die.

"Ever since I've felt a need to do something which will keep her memory alive, not that she isn't already always in our hearts, and to also raise money for research."

Nicola, who is expecting her first child with Amy's brother, James, remembers her friend's final days.

She said: "I used to go and stay with her while she was staying at a hospice in Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood. We used to watch films together with her son Mark, who is now 12, and we would always try and keep each other smiling.

"I remember getting the phone call to say that she had died. It was awful. I have always remained very close to her family, especially her mum and of course me and her brother are expecting our first child together."

Family and friends will also be celebrating Amy's life on Monday, which would have been her 29th birthday.

Martine Morris, Amy's sister, said: "My family would like to thank Nicola for all the support she has offered to us over the years.

"It means so much to us and I can't believe she took part in the race while she was pregnant.

"Her dedication to raising money for charity in memory of Amy will never be forgotten."