A dad will be taking on the Newtown 10k for the first time, in memory of his daughter, alongside her two best friends.

Joe Varley, whose daughter Amy passed away in 2015 at the age of 23, will be joined by Claire Evans and Emma Jones in running the Newtown 10k to raise money for Hope House.

Mr Varley said he has been supported by the councillors at Hope House since his daughter’s sudden death and wanted to give something back in whatever way he could.

He said: “It was a complete shock when Amy died for myself and her partner Jake, and all her friends and family. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without Hope House.

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“I really can’t speak highly enough of all the support and help they have given me through counselling.

“I just wanted to give something back and help other families get support when they need it.”

The Newtown 10k is scheduled for Sunday, May 21, and will see runners taking on a route that runs alongside the River Severn.

Among those runners will be Mr Varley, with the 10k being the first major running event he has taken part in, alongside two of Amy’s best friends, Claire Evans and Emma Jones.

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Mr Varley added: “They were always together, those three, and they were so close. It was only right that we did the run together.

“It’s not been that easy, but I’ve done my first ever 5K run now and I’m determined that I will be able to finish the full 10K come the event.

“If anyone can donate and help us raise as much money as possible for both Hope House and mental health charity Mind, then that would be very much appreciated.”

Bekki Fardoe, fundraiser at Hope House said: “We are so grateful to Joe, Emma and Claire for choosing to run the Newtown 10K and to help us be here for the children and families that need us.

“Good luck Joe on your first 10K, we’ll all be cheering you on.”