A 'BIG sister' friend of a Taunton student who died in a stabbing incident is running 100k non-stop in his memory.

Emily Yap, 24, who describes herself as a non-runner, is training for the Race to the Stones ultramarathon over two days to raise funds for The Barnaby Webber Foundation.

She and her brother Tom grew up with Barnaby, 19, who was killed in Nottingham on June 13, along with his friend Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and school caretaker Ian Coates. Valdo Calocane, 31, has been charged with murdering all three and is awaiting trial next year.

Barnaby's mother, Emma, set up the foundation to remember the "extraordinary ordinary" teenager, who was non-judgemental, inclusive, patient and generous, qualities it will seek to further while keeping his memory alive.

DONATE: Visit the Barnaby Webber Foundation appeal page.

Emily is tackling the run from Lewknor to Avebury on July 13 and 14 - and attending her graduation ceremony at Cardiff University the following day.

She said: "I've never done any running before as such, but I used to be a competitive swimmer, so I know what it takes to get to that high level.

"As much as I'm coming from zero, I do have a sporting background.

"I thought long and hard about this. A lot of people are running half and full marathons for the foundation and it's amazing that they care enough to put themselves through that pain.

"We were joking that it would be funny if someone did an ultramarathon. I thought, 'Why not?'

"I've joined a running club and have been getting the miles in."

READ MORE: Sponsor Emily here.

Her brother Tom was Barnaby's best friend and the three of them enjoyed family get togethers and holidays, as well as all attending Taunton School.

Along with Barnaby's family and loved ones, Emily has struggled to come to terms with his needless death.

"The first time I got the news, I was working in America in the summer," she said. "I just didn't really process it very well until I came back.

READ MORE: Barnaby's killer denies murder.

"I've struggled to make sense of his death. I don't understand why it happened. Why was it him? I had an 'older sister' relationship with him.

"It's made me determined to raise money for the foundation by pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

"He's definitely up there having an absolute laugh that I'm doing this for him."

To sponsor Emily's ultramarathon run visit Race to the Stones for Barnaby Webber at gofundme.com and t