A MOTHER who was told she might never walk again as a teenager, is running a half marathon in Chicago in memory of her daughter.

After taking up running only a year ago, Ros Howell, from Upper Rissington, is running the Chicago Half Marathon in memory of her daughter Catherine.

Catherine was born with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia, and due to the lack of liver transplants at that time she died aged just four months 32 years ago.

Ros Howell will be flying off to Chicago take part in the famous running event this weekend in order to raise funds for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

“[Since Catherine died] we have always quietly supported CLDF but earlier this year when our son, James, jokingly challenged me to run the half marathon with him in Chicago,” said Ros.

“I decided it was an ideal opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and raise some much needed funds for this great charity.

 “My husband Dave, who is going to run the Chicago 5k at the same time, and I have been really touched by all the support we have had for this, particularly from people who remember Catherine.

“I’m delighted to be doing this for her and to support the many other families who are still affected by childhood liver disease.”

The feat of Ros taking on the half marathon is made more amazing by the fact that she was told she may never walk again after a botched surgery as a teenager.

“I was told it was unlikely that I would ever walk again so this will be a huge achievement for a non-runner approaching an age where I should know better,” said Ros.

“I am most certainly not a runner but have been training since last September and in May I eased myself in by tackling the Chicago 10k.

“It was tough but an amazing experience and made me more determined than ever to go back and complete the half marathon.”

CLDF chief executive, Alison Taylor, said: “CLDF is the only charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases.

“We do this by providing information to healthcare professionals, emotional support to families, funds for vital research and a voice for all affected.

“To do this we rely entirely on voluntary donations so we are delighted that Ros has chosen to do this for us. It’s a lovely tribute to her daughter.

“We wish her all the best and hope she thoroughly enjoys the experience.”

To support Ros in her fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Ros-Howell

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org