THE tragic death of a young Colchester police officer has prompted two of her colleagues to run a marathon in her memory.

Colchester-based British Transport Police officer Michelle Clarke died suddenly in September from an undiagnosed heart defect.

The popular Irish woman was just 34 when she died.

Det Con Alan Reed and PC Chris Ship travelled to Ireland with a number of her colleagues for her funeral, and there decided they wanted to complete an event in her memory and to raise money.

The pair, who were originally due to be joined by Sgt Paolo Boggi, until knee problems forced him to pull out, decided nothing would be more challenging than a marathon, and running 26.2 miles in Michelle’s home town of Belfast on May 3 would be perfect.

DC Reed said: “Michelle had just finished her probationary period and had a bright career ahead of her.

“She was a very popular member of the team.

“I have done about ten marathons, while Chris has never done one.

“This is our tribute, and we hope it will also raise a lot of money for Cardiac Risk in the Young.”

The charity works to raise awareness of sudden death syndrome. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Alan-Reed