A CLEVEDON policeman is to take part in two charity runs to raise money in memory of a friend who died unexpectedly from meningitis.

Sergeant Gareth Starr, who is based at Clevedon Police Station, is to take part in the annual Boxing Day Road Race in the town and in the Tough Ten Challenge in Weston-super-Mare in February to raise money for the NSPCC, WaterAid and Meningitis Research.

The two charities were close to the heart of Gareth's friend Steve Blewitt who died suddenly, aged 43, earlier this month after contracting meningococcal meningitis.

Gareth met Steve, who had two children and two stepchildren and lived in Weston-super-Mare when he was working at the former Midland Bank in the early 1990s.

The two became firm friends and remained pals when Gareth joined Avon and Somerset police in 1992.

Gareth, 39, said: "I was hugely shocked to hear of Steve's death as he had not been unwell. It was not until afterwards that the doctors said he had contracted meningitis.

"We were great friends when we worked at the bank and I was a cashier and he was a messenger.

"I got to know him really well because I used to cover his job when he was on leave. He was a great guy with a wicked sense of humour and really laid back attitude."

Gareth is an experienced runner and has already done three half-marathons and taken part in the Tough Ten Challenge and Clevedon's Boxing Day Road Race in the past.

Gareth said: "I had already entered both the races and was unsure which charity to run them for.

"Steve used to support WaterAid and the NSPCC, so I thought it would be nice to run them in his memory and raise money for his charities.

"I am also hoping to raise enough money to give a donation to Meningitis Research. I want to raise as much money as possible and hope people will come forward and support me."

Steve's partner of 18 years, Jayne Glover, said: "Steve's death was a huge shock to everyone.

"He would have been proud of Gareth for doing the races in his memory as he was a supporter of the two charities."

Sponsorship forms will be available at Clevedon Police Station for anyone who wants to support Gareth's charity runs. Collection tins will also be put at Clevedon and Nailsea police stations. Anyone wanting to sponsor Gareth can also call him on 01275 814688.