A HIGH school teacher who lost her best friend to cancer two-and-a-half years ago is taking on the London Marathon in her memory.

Amy Lamb 38, from Northwich, said she 'really clicked' with friend Jo while at university, but 10 years later, Jo was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and died in 2018.

She was just 35 years old.

Now Amy is hoping to keep Jo's memory alive while raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The teacher, who works at The County High School in Leftwich, said: "I met Jo at university when we were both 18 and on the same course.

"We really clicked and became best friends.

"Even though she lived in Sussex, we’d meet up and see each other as much as possible.

"But in June 2012 when Jo was 28, she was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer.

"She had chemo, radiotherapy and operations to help treat it, and went into remission.

"You don’t get the all-clear from breast cancer until five years after treatment.

"She used to buy a cake every year and blow out the candles to mark the countdown.

"We even booked a holiday together to celebrate her getting the all-clear.

"But just a month before her five years, in May 2017, she was told the cancer was back.

"It had spread everywhere.

"She was told it was terminal, but the oncologist gave her a good prognosis, and said should have 10 to 15 years to live.

"But she only had sixteen months."

After Jo's death, Amy was determined to give something back – so she’s no stranger to charity challenges having already taken on a Macmillan Mighty Hike in 2019.

"Macmillan were great with Jo," Amy said.

"They provided palliative care for her and she always spoke of Macmillan so highly.

"I know she used Macmillan services a lot, so I wanted to help give something back."

Amy has already raised more than half of her fundraising target ahead of October’s marathon.

With the help of her pupils, Amy is sure she’ll surpass her goal.

"We’ve already done a non-uniform day," she said.

"But we want to do more fundraising like a cake sale when schools are hopefully back to normal in September, after Covid.

"The school and my pupils have been very supportive, my year 10s keep asking if they can come and watch.

"The world always forgets, but I want to do everything I can and think it’s important to keep Jo’s memory alive.

"Jo’s story taught me to have no regrets and live life to the fullest."

Nicole McIlveen, relationship fundraising manager for Macmillan in the north west, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our income, at a time when people living with cancer need our support more than ever.

"That’s why we’re thrilled to be the official charity partner of this year’s event.

"The vital funds raised by runners and supporters like Amy will help us continue to do whatever it takes to be there for everyone living with cancer from day one of their diagnosis."

To donate to Amy’s marathon run, visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/amy-lamb