Run in memory of brave little girl
TWO Cheshire couples are putting on their running shoes in memory of a courageous girl.
They aim to raise hundreds of pounds for research into Kabuki Syndrome, a genetic condition which meant six-year-old Hannah Scales was "a little bit different" from other youngsters.
Hannah, from Lymm, near Warrington, lived life to the full, despite the condition which meant she had to be fed through a tube into her stomach. She tragically died after contracting a rare form of meningitis.
Now family friends Margot and Mal Pritchard and Jane and David Holmes are preparing to take part in the Great North Run on September 16, with friends Jan Birch and Colin Windeler.
They are being sponsored to run the 13.25 miles event from Newcastle Upon Tyne, with all money raised going to research into Kabuki Syndrome, taking place at St Mary's Hospital in Manchester.
Between £70-£80,000 is needed to fund a scientist at the hospital for the next two years.
Hannah's parents, Ann and Paul Scales, and her brother, Andrew, have already been involved in helping raise awareness of the condition.
They want money raised to be used in pilot studies at St Mary's, which are taking place to try and identify the missing, or different chromosomes which cause Kabuki Syndrome.
Mrs Scales said: "I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support. It has helped us cope through difficult times. People have been so kind.
"Hannah was a special little girl who has touched a lot of people. She will always have a special place in our lives."
Anyone who would like to pledge support for the fundraising should call 01925 752176.