AN appeal in aid of three Wirral children whose parents died from cancer within days of each other has now raised more than a quarter of a million pounds.

Julie Bennet 50, passed away on Saturday night at Wirral Hospice St John's, five days after the death of Mike, 57.

Their funeral will take place next Wednesday afternoon.

Friends and family had launched an appeal so that the children can stay at their family home in Irby.

The campaign's 11416 supporters have raised £257,918, with donations from around the world.

A run in aid of the appeal will take place in New Brighton on Friday night.

The 12-hour event has been organised by Oxton-based marathon runner John Hammond, who decided to help after reading the tragic story at the weekend.

John, who took on a gruelling seven-treadmill marathons in one week to raise funds for Claire House, wanted to help boost the appeal's funds told the Globe yesterday: "I was sitting at home on Sunday with a glass of wine and read this awful story and just wanted to something to help the children.

"I know the appeal’s already raised a lot of money, but I want to help boost the total."

Friday's run, from Costa coffee in New Brighton to Seacombe Ferry terminal, starts at 9pm.

Runners can repeat the course as many times as they like.

It continues on Saturday morning with a chance to take part in the Birkenhead Park 5k Park run.

Full details are on John's Facebook page www.facebook.com/Johnammo29?fref=ts

John continued: "So far, around 300 people have said they will take part, but hopefully a lot more will turn out on the night.

"Anyone can take part. They can run 10 yards or a mile, it doesn't matter, because it's £5 to enter so a lot of money will be raised. People will be happy to do whatever they can to help"

Praising the public’s overwhelming generosity on behalf of the Bennet family, friend Heather Heaton Gallagher said earlier this week: "The kids are so overwhelmed by the love and support that has been demonstrated, and they want to share their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made this possible.

"It has meant that their lovely mum could go peacefully to join their dad Mike, who passed earlier this week.

"Julie was such an incredible woman, when faced with a devastating diagnosis, she never gave up, she was always focused on taking care of other people.

"I recall a rare moment of sadness she shared with me 'My children don’t deserve this' and that was Julie, no matter how upset she was personally her focus was on her kids."

Dad Mike had been fighting cancer since 2013, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour. The self-employed cabinet maker had been nursed at home by Julie and the children.

Julie, who had taught at Somerville School, Wallasey, became ill in April and was diagnosed a month later with liver and kidney cancer which spread to other areas of her body.

It began in her breast but spread to other organs in her body including her liver and kidneys.

Family friend, Heather Heaton Gallagher said earlier this: "Words cannot express our desperate sadness for such a beautiful family.

"The Bennets are known to all for their generosity, their love for life, and their down to earth approach.

"When Julie became ill, she made it her purpose to create as many memories as a family for the children to hold onto.

"Facing a double terminal cancer diagnosis is beyond belief and, as a community, we are working hard to support the family so that they can stay together and ensure that they can continue their education as planned.

"The biggest challenge is that the family car, a Motability car, has to be returned, meaning that the kids can’t get around to manage practical and personal activities.

"Julie and Mike have been the most supportive parents, encouraging their children’s interest in dance and acting from a very early age.

"All three children thrive on the stage and I know that Julie and Mike would not want this to stop their children from dancing and performing.

"To help them do this, we need to make them mobile again and help cover the costs that this brings."

Anyone who wants to support the family with raffle prizes for fundraising events or to help in the campaign, can call Sue Wright on 07471030500.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/claire-knight-2?utm_id=107&utm_term=pnZJyjyyK