'We're honoured to start the 10k in memory of our Violet'

Glenn and Becky Youens, from Eccleston, have shown immense strength and courage following their daughter’s death on March 25 last year following a hit-and-run.

Despite their grief they donated her organs, saving two lives and have since held different events to raise money and awareness for organ donation – including the Ride 4 Violet-Grace.

This year each runner of the St Helens 10k will receive a form with information regarding organ donation, so that other lives may potentially be saved.

Glenn, 30, said: "It’s great to do this in Violet’s memory together with Becky.

“When we were asked, we thought it was amazing to us that people still think about Violet-Grace and it’s an honour to start the 10k together.

“This will be my first 10k and only my second official running event, but we both aim to end this race together while thinking of Violet – who we know will be with us.

“We are also incredibly grateful that each runner will receive a form with information about organ donation this year because we cannot explain what a comfort it has been to us that part of her is still living on. We would like to thank the SPF for making this happen.

“Violet has helped two families not to feel the pain we have and we hope others will just think about organ donation.

“I know we would also both like to thank the community for the support they have given us this past year – it shows what kind of people there are in this town.”

The Youens family have also recently joined forces with the Isabella Rose Foundation to set up Violet-Grace’s Gift.

The aim is to raise money to help families who are struggling with bereavement of a child and raise awareness of organ donation and transplantation.

Glenn is also taking part in other events this year to help raise funds in his daughter’s memory. To donate visit bit.ly/2B27nNX.

For more information visit @violetgrace.gift on Facebook and Instagram.