THE dad of Violet-Grace Youens went around the St Helens 10k in full fireman’s uniform to raise awareness of how drivers who kill cause a “ripple effect that affects everybody”.

Glenn Youens took part in Sunday’s 10k in memory of his daughter Violet-Grace who died in March 2017 aged four after being struck by a stolen speeding car.

Her parents Glenn and Becky Youens launched a petition calling for tougher sentences for drivers that kill. Aidan McAteer, the driver of the car who killed their daughter, was sentenced to just over nine years in prison, of which he will only serve half.

Glenn took part with other members of Violet Grace’s Gift and the Isabella Rose Foundation holding a sign for Violet’s Law – with other members of the group asking spectators to sign the petition at the stadium.

After crossing the finish line, Glenn said: “I felt emotional seeing everyone running in their pink tops and cheering us on. It means a lot that people come out to support us.

“Violet was with me today, everywhere I go I feel like she is with me. Especially on days like today she is with us all. We are trying to promote Violet’s Law and want people to understand that when they get behind the wheel and these incidents happen that it’s not just the family that it affects. The first responders, people driving past, ambulance service, doctors and nurses and everyone who tried to save Violet has been affected and will continue to be affected.

“We are coming up to Violet’s second anniversary and we are still picking up the pieces, so that’s why we ran in fire gear to highlight they are affected too.

“It’s a ripple effect that affects everybody.”

n To sign the petition go to bit.ly/VioletGracesLaw.