A FUN run is being held in Ulverston to raise money for the Coulston family – whose parents are both battling terminal illness.

Clare, 37, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2009 and three years later, husband Paul, 38, discovered he had Motor Neurone Disease.

Clare was told in 2010 she had a 30 per cent chance of surviving the next five years and Paul has just years to live. As his mobility, strength and ability to do basic tasks decreases, he will soon be confined to a wheelchair.

Their young children Finlay, seven, and Evelyn, five, know their dad is poorly, and will not be getting better.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association has estimated that total equipment costs will reach £90,000, plus care costs, and the cost to the family during the last 12 months of Paul’s life will be around £200,000.

Now, a group of mums, whose children go to Pennington Primary School with the Coulston chil-dren, have created the Pennington Puddle Dash to raise money to buy a £5,000 electric wheelchair.

“We have felt moved by the tremendously difficult circumstances this family is coping with and felt compelled to do something to make a difference,” said Angharad Polley. “Clare and Paul are strong, loving, funny and brave. They are great parents and committed and respected colleagues, who have given so much.

“Their courage is inspirational and their story compelling.”

The Pennington School Benevolent Fund also wants to raise money to buy the family a mobility car for £6,000, a £5,000 wet-room and a voice-activated computer.

The Puddle Dash will be held on September 29 and there will be one-mile, three-mile and six-mile runs. Children are free but there is a charge of £5 for adults to enter. For details, see www. pennington-puddledash.co.uk