A BOOKMAKER is set to swap the tote for his trainers to run a half marathon in memory of his brother.

Michael Wilson, who manages Coral in Kendal, is to compete in the Great North Run this weekend to raise money for the Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) in memory of younger sibling Steven.

He was born with a rare liver disease called biliary atresia and died when he was just five years old.

“I've always loved running,” said the 30-year-old. “I come from a family of runners – my grandad was a champion fell runner back in the day and my mum competed at county level.


“I’ve always had problems with my knees, however, which means I've never been able to run for more than a couple of months before I've got to stop.

 
“But  having an end goal and raising money for CLDF is a good way of fighting the pain!” 
He said that the CLDF is important to him because of Steven. 


“He was incredibly brave – he always had a smile and never let his illness stop him enjoying life.

 
“I wanted to help a charity which supports families like mine who are affected by childhood liver disease as well as funding research.” 


The Great North Run will take place on Sunday, and Michael has been backed by punters at the bookmakers as well as fellow traders.


Alison Taylor, chief executive of CLDF, said: “We rely on fundraising for the majority of our income so we're grateful Michael has chosen to do this.” 


* To support Michael's run visit www.justgiving. com/kendalcufc