A TEAM of ‘angels’ will join forces to take flight in the GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k.

The group of 15 people from Eccleston will get together for the run to raise funds for the Angelman Foundation in aid of St Helens Child of Courage Melissa Adams.

The organisation was set up by Melissa’s family and seeks to raise awareness of the syndrome and encourage new research projects into helping find a cure for the rare condition.

Eleven-year-old Melissa was diagnosed with the neuro-genetic disorder in 2006 and is epileptic and unable to speak. She also has mobility problems.

And the latest fundraising mission will see a group of Melissa’s friends and neighbours tackle the 10k run while donning angel wings and angelman foundation T-shirts for the occasion.

Melissa’s mum, Kathryn, 49, who has devoted herself full-time to looking after Melissa, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the fantastic people tackling the St Helens 10k to raise money for the foundation.

“It is very special to have such support from Melissa’s hometown, helping to raise awareness of Angelman syndrome and support our mission.”

Foundation trustee Michael Haw, a councillor in Eccleston, added: “It’s a great cause, to which I am very proud to be part of and all of the money raised will go a long way to helping improve the quality of life for those affected.

“We’ll be wearing the angel wings on the day and I’ve got some pink ones.

“It’s about getting everyone together and raising the money.”

The GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k takes place on Sunday, March 8 starting and finishing at Langtree Park. To sponsor the Angelman team online, visit: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/angelmanfoundation and for more information visit www.researchangelman.org.uk.