Woman to run half marathon in full bike leathers

Almost a year on from her brother's death in a motorbike crash, a woman is preparing to honour him by running the Manchester Half Marathon in full bike leathers.

Josh Stockton, 22, died in the crash on Crewe Road in Willaston, Cheshire, on 3 September.

Not long afterwards, a memorial event was held nearby at The Peacock Pub and earlier this year friends and family gathered for a lap of Oulton Park.

"We've all pulled together and we cherish lots of memories of Josh," his sister Lizzie Smith said. "I might have bitten off more than I can chew, but training's going well."

."Obviously the heatwave has made it a lot harder because they're not breathable, [the leathers] are very heavy."

The Manchester Half Marathon takes place on 4 October this year.

She will be running to raise funds for North West Air Ambulance who helped Stockton when he crashed.

"Being able to help someone that will help another family in the future in the same position – where maybe the outcome might be more positive – has definitely helped me concentrate on other things," she said.

She said she had done a few half marathons before, but she wanted to do something as a challenge.

The weight of the leathers and the heat when wearing them made it very difficult, Smith said.

"The heat is insane. The second I walk through the house after a run, they have to come off immediately."

Her brother would be laughing at her if he could see what she was doing, she added.

"He'd wonder why I'm doing it. I'm not athletic in any way, shape or form. He'd find it hilarious."

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