A WALLASEY woman whose grandfather died from kidney disease is taking part in a charity race in his memory.
Louise Sheehan will take on the 5k challenge in aid of Kidney Research in memory of Harold May, who passed away when she was young.
The 29-year-old, an assistant manager of Greggs in Pyramids Shopping Centre, Birkenhead, only started running last year and was inspired by her fitness fanatic husband Chris.
Louise Sheehan will be among thousands taking part in the 5k challenge for Kidney Research
Louise, from Wallasey, said: "I've been inspired to raise money for this charity as I always remember how ill my granddad was when I was a kid.
"Whenever we visited him we had to be careful as he was always wired up to dialysis machines. It was hard because when you see your grandad you want to run and hug him but we couldn’t.
"He was constantly in and out of the Royal in Liverpool and when we saw him at home he had to have all these special drinks and special meals.
"I lost my nan when I was seven, then both my dad’s parents and then my grandad when I was nine so it was a really tough time for us as a family.
"It was particularly hard for my mum as she is an only child."
A younger Louise Sheehan with grandad Harold May
Louise will join fellow fundraisers on the start line for the Hillsborough 5k run held at Stanley Park on April 19, and husband Chris will run alongside his wife for the event.
She said: "I have said that he can leave me behind if he wants but he’s very good and he’ll stay with me – although he’s an Everton fan so he’ll be wearing a blue T-shirt and I’ll have a red one!"
Commercial Director for Pyramids Shopping Centre, Derek Millar, said: “I wish Louise every success in her next running event and am sure the staff and customers of Greggs will get behind her and help her raise funds for this very important cause.”
The race is a new and accessible event in memory of the 96 Liverpool football fans lost in the Hillsborough tragedy and will raise funds for Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation as well as whatever causes the runners are championing themselves.
The 5k event will take place at the end of the 96-mile Hillsborough to Anfield run which has attracted hundreds of entrants and raised thousands of pounds over recent years.
To sponsor Louise pop into the Greggs store at Pyramids Shopping Centre.
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