Teacher to run Bath Half Marathon in memory of friend

Teacher Rory Worsman is running the Bath Half Marathon in memory of a friend who died from a little-known illness last year.

The 28-year-old's university mate Steven Sims died suddenly in May from idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), an abnormally low platelet count that can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and bruise like markings called purpura.

Rory, from Weston, met Steven while he was at St Andrew's University, where Steven died at the age of 23.

He will be raising money for two charities, the ITP Support Association and The Wooden Spoon Society – the charity of British and Irish rugby supporting mentally and physically disadvantaged children.

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Rory, a teacher in Swindon, played rugby with Steven, and said he wanted to do something to remember him.

He said: "Steven was a friend, teammate on the rugby field and all-round amazing guy.

"He had a joy for life that was infectious, ever with a grin on his face. I only hope I can manage the same for 13.1 miles.

"Steven was always smiling. It was rare to see him without a smile on his face."

It is the first time that Rory has run a half marathon, but the Avon Rugby Club player said the training was going well.

"Steven would laugh at me doing it and would tease me about whether I will actually make it."

He added: "The ITP support charity helps those with the disease and raises awareness of it.

"The Wooden Spoon Society is a charity that Steven would have approved of and at his funeral his parents asked for donations to the charity rather than flowers."

To support Rory visit www. justgiving/aweerun.