Losing a close friend to suicide led a yoga instructor to take on a half marathon.

Claire Missingham’s friend Martha Heiland-Allen took her own life in 2013 aged just 28.

The 45-year-old, who lives in Muswell Hill was one of many devastated at the loss of the young woman.

She said: “It left hundreds of friends, her yoga students, family and the yoga community shocked and heartbroken."

"I began running and entered a few triathlons as part of my healing process.”

Now Claire plans to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon in Regents Park in October.

She runs three times a week, swims and cycles to keep herself fit for the half-marathon, as well as practising yoga and meditation.

She ran her first half-marathon in 2014 and this time hopes to break her last record of 1 hour 40 minutes.

Claire will be supported on the day by her husband and 10-year-old daughter.

Martha’s mother and father and younger brother will also cheer Claire from the sidelines.

Claire is raising money for her charity Martha’s Mat, providing funds to people who want to learn more about yoga.

Claire said: “I offer people places at my classes and workshops, which helps them towards their teacher training.

"Over the last few years, I have assisted 15 people and helped them take their yoga teacher training.

"The donations come from friends and family in the yoga community and in total we have raised £10,000."