A LIFELONG friend of a man fatally stricken with Motor Neurone Disease is running her first race to raise cash to help fight its devastating impact.

Rachel Imris became friends with Richard Barrett when they met at Hanson School, Swain House, Bradford.

Mr Barrett, 44, of Town Lane, Thackley, was diagnosed with aggressive MND in November after suffering breathing difficulties and trouble with his hands.

And the disease's rapid advance means the father-of-two now has only weeks to live.

"When his mother told me that, I knew I had to get up off the sofa and do something," said Miss Imris, of Thackley.

"I don't go to the gym, play sport or anything like that and I've never run in a race before, but this is such an important cause."

Mr Barrett is now at a care home in Saltaire and the two old school friends met up before Miss Imris takes part in the Leeds 10k race on Sunday.

Mr Barrett's health deteriorated last year after losing weight and getting breathless.

By August he was forced to give up working as a carer for autistic adults as his symptoms had become so severe.

He was having to use a wheelchair to get about because he was so out of breath and doctors diagnosed that part of his lung had collapsed.

But it was not until November, when he was again hospitalised, that he was finally diagnosed with the aggressive form of MND.

Bradford City fan Mr Barrett managed to attend the 30th anniversary service to commemorate the 56 football fans who died in the Valley Parade fire disaster.

He had been at the ground on May 11, 1985, and attended the memorial services every year.

Speaking about how he was now in rapid decline, Miss Imris said: "We became friends at school and have stayed that way ever since.

"It's the saddest thing to witness him deteriorate from healthy and active to being immobilised and he's now losing his speech.

"Motor Neurone Disease came from nowhere and destroyed his life.

"As yet there is no cure for this horrible disease so I want to do all I can to raise awareness and help fund the research for the causes and a cure."

Miss Imris is running in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. People can donate directly at justgiving.com/Rachel-Imris

Family and friends have also completed sponsored events in Mr Barrett's name including a climb of Ben Nevis last month.