A LAUNCESTON woman is running her first London Marathon in memory of her taekwondo instructor who died aged 59 from the heart muscle disease cardiomyopathy.

Merwyn Quick from Shilson Terrace is running in memory of her taekwondo instructor Master John Black and raising money for the Cardiomyopathy Association, a charity that provides information and support to families affected by the disease.

Merwyn, 35, said: "John was only 59 when he died last year, it was a massive shock and a huge loss. I'd known him for 17 years and he had supported me through my taekwondo for all that time."

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.