A GROUP of friends are taking part in a fund-raising run to support a charitable trust set up in memory of Malvern woman Joanna Brown, who died during a fall while on holiday in Russia last year aged just 30.

Former Dyson Perrins student Joanna was a keen sportsman and The Joanna Brown Trust focuses on improving opportunities and involvement in sport across the world.

A group of 10 friends from Malvern and Worcester are taking part in the half marathon event at the Acorns Triple Run to raise money for the trust.

The annual Triple Run is held at the Three Counties Showground and offers participants a choice of three events - the half marathon, a five-kilometre fun run and a wheelchair-friendly one-kilometre race known as the Chicken Run, designed specifically for people with special needs.

Ed Lyons, who is running in aid of the trust, explained: “None of us are proven runners and have never done anything like this before, but we are all fairly physically fit.

“We are just aiming to get around in a decent time.”

The Joanna Brown Trust has raised in the region of £25,000 to date, with beneficiaries including Barnards Green Cricket Club.

Anyone who would like to support the runners taking part in the Triple Run for the trust can do so online at justgiving.com/thelardslongrun The new Mayor of Upton is also taking part in the Triple Run. He plans on tackling the five-kilometre run with his wife Bev, daughters Amy, 12, Laura, 15, and Ellie, 22, as well as Ellie’s boyfriend John.

Coun Thomas has elected Acorns as one of his official charities for his mayoral term.

“We want to do all that we can to help local life-limited children and their families in need,” he said.

Coun Thomas will also help present awards at the Triple Run, which takes place on Sunday, June 7.

Acorns’ community fundraiser Sophie James said: “It’s brilliant that the Mayor of Upton is supporting us so quickly by joining The Triple Run.

“Its three-race format means everyone can enjoy it. It is a beautiful day, where runners know they are helping to support local children and their families in need.”