WHEN Stephen West's best friend died after a long battle with a brain tumour he decided to raise money in his honour with a sponsored run.

But after almost 15 years of friendship, a one-off marathon didn't seem enough.

So Mr West set about a series of extreme challenges, raising almost £5,000 in the process.

Mr West, who lives in Cadbury Heath, first met Phil Biggs in the snooker hall near his former home in Shropshire and the schoolboys soon became inseparable.

In 2003, aged 21, Mr Biggs was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had to have an operation to take away much of the growth. Life continued as normal until a few years later when a routine scan showed new growth.

Mr West, 30, who works in human resources at the Bank of Ireland, said: "After several years of a continually worsening condition and quality of life, Phil and his fiancé, Sam, got married in May 2009. I was the best man at his wedding. Phil sadly passed away on April 6 this year, surrounded by his new wife and family. I had the great honour of giving the eulogy at his funeral.

"At the time I had just taken up running and completed the Edinburgh Marathon for a multiple sclerosis charity. I really wanted to do something in Phil's memory but I knew one marathon alone wasn't enough. It had to be bigger and better."

So Mr West applied for a series of extreme sporting events, including a 31-mile ultra marathon in Nottingham, a 50-mile event in Oxfordshire and a three marathons in three days challenge, as well as the London Marathon next year.

And he didn't stop there, roping in a colleague from work, Gavin Davies, he took a treadmill in to work and spent nine hours running while Mr Davies cycled alongside.

The event, during which Mr West covered 47 miles and Mr Davies 127 miles, raised £3,200, contributing to the £4,585 total for Brain Tumour UK.

Mr West said: "It was tough work and took a bit of planning but it really helped to raise money because people in the office could see we were putting in the effort. It was great to have Gav there for motivation, too, so I'm really grateful he took part.

"Phil was a great bloke who took everything life threw at him on the chin and just got on with it. At the end of the day we all moan about our jobs and home and life in general, but you have to realise what is important and I hope in some small way this helps honour Phil's memory."

Next month Mr West will take on three marathons in three days between November 12 and 14.

To sponsor him visit www.justgiving.com/Stephen- West-ultra.