A mother will take part in the Great North Run on Sunday in honour of her daughter who died almost a year ago to the day.

It will be an emotional day for Cath Hayes, 45, of Fairweather Green, Bradford, who is running to raise money for Kidney Research UK.

Her 21-year-old daughter, Nicola, died of chronic kidney failure in her arms, surrounded by her family, on September 23 last year.

She had been diagnosed with FSGS at ten months old and by 18 months was on regular dialysis. She underwent two kidney transplants, the first aged two, the second aged 11, but they were unsuccessful as the disease attacked both transplanted organs.

By 13 she was on dialysis every night for 12 hours.

“Throughout her life, Nicola battled with her disease but it never fazed her, she just got on with it and enjoyed as much as she could,” said Cath.

“Nicola was able to go out on the days she felt well, we had several shopping trips, and she loved designer clothes, shoes and handbags!

“Throughout all of her illness, Nicola fought and was brave until the end.”

There is no cure for FSGS and Kidney Research UK funds research in the hope of making a breakthrough in the treatment of the disease.

Cath, a fitness instructor, will be joined in her second Great North Run by Paul Dalby, 29, of Baildon, her eldest daughter’s partner, who is running in the event for the fifth time.

Cath added: “Nicola’s fighting spirit lives on and if I can help by running this race, I will do all I can. It’ll be an emotional day but I know that the money raised is going towards a fantastic charity and one very close to my heart. Maybe one day someone else’s child with the same condition as Nicola will survive.”

To donate via their fundraising page, visit: kidneyresearchukevents.org/GNR_PDalby_CHayes