A RUNNER from Davenham has spoken of her day of triumph and tragedy in a bid to raise awareness of a disease that stole her dad.

Despite not running since she left school 18 years ago, Karen Murray has completed four half marathons and a full marathon in just 12 months to raise money and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

She was inspired by her dad, Colin Jones, who was diagnosed with MND in December 2013 and died in April, on the day of Karen's biggest challenge – the Manchester Marathon.

"I will cherish the memory of my dad forever, he was my world and I want to try harder than ever now to help other families who are currently battling with the cruel disease," she said.

Colin was a member of Davenham Cricket Club, as well as coach, manager, groundsman, chairman and president, a member of Vale Royal Golf Club and the Oddfellows Golf Society and a founding member of Davenham Dynamoes junior football club.

He was diagnosed with MND when he was 62.

Karen, 34, explained that MND attacks nerves that control movement, including eating, talking and breathing, 50 per cent of people die within 14 months of a diagnosis and it has no known cause or cure.

"Witnessing what it was doing to my dad, who never complained and always smiled, broke my heart," Karen said.

She added: "This was just cruel beyond belief, MND was taking my dad from me and there was nothing I could do to stop it."

Karen decided she wanted to raise funds and awareness to help other people diagnosed in the future and joined Davenham Running Buddies, quickly signing up for the Great North Run, three other half marathons and the daunting Manchester Marathon, which she completed in four hours and 30 minutes.

"A smile spread across my face, I had done it, 'my dad will be so proud of me' was my first thought and I couldn't wait to get over that line and home to show him my medal and to give him a huge hug," she said.

"Little did I know at this time my world was about to be shattered.

"I received a phone call from my brother just after finishing, he had the horrible task of telling me that my dad had passed away."

She raised more than £5,430 with her first half marathon and is still appealing for donations for the MND Association following the Manchester Marathon.

To donate visit justgiving.com/charliesangels2