THE proud mum of Violet-Grace Youens took part in the Manchester Half Marathon at the weekend to mark what would have been her daughter's sixth birthday.

Violet-Grace Youens died in March 2017 after she was struck in a hit and run on Prescot Road. She was four years old.

Despite their grief, her parents Becky and Glenn Youens have focused on raising the profile of organ donation in memory of Violet - who saved two lives by donating her pancreas and kidneys - setting up the charity Violet-Grace's Gift.

For mum-of-two Becky, who has taken part in running with the Isabella-Rose Foundation since Violet's death, alongside Glenn, this was her first major running event alongside Isabella-Rose's mum Amanda Parr and her sister Lottie French.

Becky, 30, said: "It’s been a very tough month for both our families, but we did it for our girls' birthdays (Violet-Grace 02/10/12) Isabella-Rose (16/10/11).

"I truly believe they are playing together in heaven and looking after each other until it’s our time. Both their beautiful little faces got me through today.

"Don’t know how I managed it. I used to wag cross country at school and never been a runner, but I think Wigan pier and clubland songs helped a lot, it was so lovely to have Violet’s song just as I was about to cross the finish line.

"I’ve learned grief is love, and to grieve means to love someone special. Well my beautiful little Violet-Grace was loved from the day I found I was pregnant, and I will love her until my last breath and beyond.

"In the meantime I want to keep her memory alive and do good in her memory. She is my first born daughter, best friend, superhero and angel.

"Violet lives on in our hearts and in her beautiful organ recipients. I just send them love.

"Two medals in one month, all for our girls."

Becky and Glenn joined forces with the Isabella Rose Foundation, set up by Geoff and Amanda Parr in memory of Isabella-Rose who was born stillborn in 2011, to help other bereaved families and children in need of support.

This month, the two families, from Eccleston, decided to celebrate their girls' birthdays by asking others to join them in running virtual 5k or a 2ks which can involve any type of fitness and take place at any location and at any pace, with participants getting medals after providing evidence of taking part.

Hundreds have signed up to take part - with the Virtual Race now sold out.

Violet's 6th birthday is tomorrow October 2 and Isabella's 7th birthday is on October 16.

For Violet-Grace's Gift click here. For more on Isabella-Rose Foundation click here.