THE GPW Recruitment St Helens 10k is an emotional day for many of the runners, who take on the challenge in memory of loved ones or for a charity close to their heart.

However, this year everyone’s thoughts were with Becky and Glenn Youens, who opened the eighth annual event in memory of their daughter Violet-Grace, who died in a hit-and-run in March last year – aged four.

This was their first 10k, where they counted down with the rest of the competitors and ran the event, before ending at the finish line together.

Becky and Glenn were joined by the Isabella Rose Foundation’s Amanda Pope and Geoff Parr, whose daughter was stillborn in October 2011. The two families joined forces after Violet’s tragic death and have supported each other’s charities.

Becky, 30, who had not run more than 2k before Sunday’s event, said: “I ran without stopping. It’s the first I’ve ran ever. I’m well chuffed.

“I just kept on thinking of our angels Violet and Isabella that’s what got me through.”

Glenn added: “It was quite emotional seeing all the pink tops with Isabella and Violet on them.

“The town and the team just come together, everyone is cheering everyone on and it makes you want to carry on and do more.

“Rebecca did her first run without stopping as well, it was amazing.”

Becky added: “It’s something really positive.”

This year, each runner of the 10k received a form with information regarding organ donation, so that other lives may potentially be saved in Violet-Grace’s memory.

Violet saved two lives by donating her pancreas and kidneys following her death.

Becky added: “Violet and Harry (Isabella’s brother) were best friends at school.

“He had a massive influence on her life I know they were always dancing around in school together and I know that now Violet and Isabella are dancing around in heaven and looking after each other.”

For more on Violet-Grace’s Gift, which promotes organ donation, visit the page on Facebook. For more on the Isabella Rose Foundation visit isabellarosefoundation.co.uk.