An inspiring Kemsing woman marked the tenth anniversary of her father’s death by running a half marathon.

Julie Urquhart took part in the Blenheim Palace run on Sunday to remember her father, Andrew Urquhart, who died from heart failure at the age of 62 in 2005.

The 47-year-old, who works as a university researcher, took part alongside her daughter Lizzie, 19, and son Cameron, 17, helping to raise £600 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Miss Urquhart said: “Dad was in his fifties when he had a heart attack. He had a triple bypass operation that saved his life. It gave him many more years with us but he continued to have health problems.

“When he died it was devastating, especially for my mum. They’d been happily married for nearly 40 years. He was really close to my children and it’s left a big gap in the family.

“It’s now 10 years since we lost dad and we wanted to do something as a family to remember him.

“I’ve never run a distance this far before so taking part was a real challenge. Knowing that I was running for a great cause made me determined to succeed.

“I know dad would have been really proud at what we achieved while raising money for such a good cause.”

Hannah Townsend, senior regional events organiser at the BHF, said: “It’s only because of dedicated people like Julie and her family, that the BHF can continue its vital work fighting heart disease.

“Our research has already helped save thousands of lives. Every pound raised from this run will be spent on funding new breakthroughs to help prevent, treat and cure heart conditions.”

Despite progress over the last 50 years, cardiovascular disease still kills around 160,000 people each year – more than a quarter of all deaths in the UK.