A FATHER has recalled the sporting achievements of his late daughter as the 25th anniversary of her success in the London Marathon approaches.

Nicola Brown, from Prudhoe, was involved with the Tynedale Harriers and had several titles to her name, including British Athletics AAA Ladies' Marathon Champion in 1998 at London, GB International Cross Country Athlete and Tynedale Lady Sports Personality in 1993 and 1994.

Hexham Courant: Nicola in 1998 at the London MarathonNicola in 1998 at the London Marathon (Image: Flora London Marathon)

She also won First Lady Blaydon Race in 1993, Tynedale Junior Lady Sports Personality in 1987, 1988, and 1991, Winner of the Junior Great North Run and Winner of the Scottish Ladies Cross Country.

Hexham Courant: Nicola in the London MarathonNicola in the London Marathon (Image: Flora London Marathon)

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Born in 1974, she was a student at Prudhoe Community High School from 1988 until 1992.

Hexham Courant: Nicola BrownNicola Brown (Image: Derek Brown)

25 years ago in 1998, she ran her first marathon at the Flora London Marathon and her success was reported in The Hexham Courant.

Hexham Courant: Nicola BrownNicola Brown (Image: Derek Brown)

"Before the event, she had only ever run one half-marathon distance, and that was at Reading in March. 

"The London event was her first-ever marathon, and to finish fourth British lady, and 19th lady overall in 2.43.18 was a brilliant result.

Hexham Courant: Nicola Brown with her trophiesNicola Brown with her trophies (Image: Derek Brown)

"It must put her in the reckoning for forthcoming overseas internationals," the report said.

She raced internationally but was well-known in Tynedale for her exploits with Tynedale Harriers.

Hexham Courant: Nicola BrownNicola Brown (Image: Derek Brown)

Her father, Derek, now 82 said: "The Courant had something in about her nearly every week because she raced every week, and The Courant followed her hugely.

Hexham Courant: NicolaNicola (Image: Derek Brown)

"She got a virus after that London Marathon and anorexia kicked in. She was treated for that and managed that for a time before it kicked in again, resulting in her death."

Hexham Courant: Nicola in actionNicola in action (Image: Derek Brown)

Nicola died in 2019 aged 45.

Derek said Nicola was 'bubbly, loved by everyone, always smiling, very competitive when it came to a race but so easy and gentle-going in real life'.