Novice runner Bethan conquers world's largest half marathon in memory of well loved Clarets' fan who was also her dad's best friend

And although Bethan had to complete it virtually, as the event itself was cancelled due to Covid 19, her amazing efforts were anything but virtual.

She said: "It was tough but I did it and felt so touched to see everyone at the finish line for me.

"It made it all worthwhile. It was very emotional and I wanted to cry but no tears came, just dust, I was that exhausted."

The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world, taking place annually in North East England each September. Although she is fit thanks to her job, Bethan was taken right out of her 'comfort zone' as running is not her forte.

She spent months in training, running a few miles daily and she vowed that even if the event was called off she would still complete the 13.1 mile course somehow.

Bethan, who works at Robinwood Activity Centre in Todmorden, added: "I did the run in two hours, 45 minutes and I was really pleased with that time although by mile nine I was really struggling."

The route was mapped out for Bethan by her best friend Holly Lynch who works at Fitness Evolution which is close to Burnley College. Setting off from there the duo ran through Burnley, Barrowford and Colne before ending up back at their starting point.

Bethan's reason for running was to raise money for research into the disease that claimed the life of well known Brierfield man and Clarets fan Paul Simm.

A well known dad and grandfather, Paul was also the best friend of 25 years to Bethan's dad, Pete Rigby. Paul died of pancreatic cancer in August last year at the age of 56.

The pair met when they played football together and became firm friends, enjoying holidays together with their wives, Mel who was married to Paul and Pete's wife Jane, and their families.

Bethan (30) said: "Paul was an absolute legend and my dad's best friend. We had so many happy holidays and fantastic times together."

Affectionately known as Zac, after he played a character by that name in a school play while a student at the former St Joseph's Primary School in Nelson, Paul was a former pupil at Fisher More High School in Colne.

A season ticket holder for the Clarets, Paul loved football and played for Brierfield Celtic and Colne Legion amongst others. The highlight of his career was playing on Turf Moor in the hospital cup final for Colne Legion versus Vale Weavers in which Legion won 1-0. Paul had worked at Rolls Royce in Barnoldswick from the age of 16.

In a bid to raise awareness of the disease and also research into pancreatic cancer, Paul's son Matt organised a charity football match in March last year and hundreds of friends, family and well wishers turned out to show their support for Paul.

Matt, who lives in Harle Syke, Burnley, set himself a target of raising £500 and managed to bring in the staggering amount of £12,000 after rival clubs Burnley and Blackburn Rovers, and also Accrington Stanley, banded together to donate signed shirts and several other items for a fund raising auction.

Matt was there at the finish line to cheer Bethan along with his sister Becky and other friends and family who presented her with a glass of Bucks Fizz to toast her achievement. And while Mel could not attend in person as she was on holiday she watched the event live on facebook.

Now living in Todmorden Bethan grew up in Nelson and attended the former Edge End High School. She wanted to do something to help raise funds in Zac's name and came up with the idea for the run as a tough personal challenge.

So far Bethan has raised around £1,300 with £200 in cash donations to add to that fabulous total.

Donations can be made until the end of the month and anyone who would like to help is asked to click HERE.