THE best friend of a doctor who died of leukaemia is running 10km in her memory.

Dr Donna McCormick lost her battle against leukaemia earlier this year.

Now her friend Janette Martin is set to pound the streets of Manchester tomorrow to raise money for leukaemia support.

She will be joined by Edgerton women Helen Gildon and Jodi New, who never met Dr McCormick but wanted to support the charity.

The three women will run the Great Manchester Run in aid of leukaemia research.

Janette Martin, of Cleveland Road, Edgerton, said: “Donna was such a vibrant, positive person and was a wonderful friend to have.

“She made a huge impact on people’s lives and was devoted to her mother Pat Harris and husband Greg Iredale.

“The decision to take part in the Great Manchester Run was to honour her memory and also to raise money for leukaemia, which hopefully in future will lead to medical advances to improve treatment and life expectancy.”

The Examiner reported earlier this year that Dr McCormick died after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

The clinical psychologist sadly passed away on January 3, aged just 37.

But her family and friends are determined to keep her memory alive.

Collections so far have raised more than £1,000 for the bone marrow unit at St James Hospital, Leeds.

Mrs Martin knew Dr McCormick for 17 years.

They both attended Brighouse High School and lived a few doors away from each other.

A group of her friends have vowed to do all they can to support leukaemia and causes close to Dr McCormick’s heart.

As well as the Great Manchester Run, Janette Martin and friends Jane Ratcliffe, Sarah Philp, Lucy Sheerman and Liz Smith are organising a charity night.

Singer Roger Davies will provide the entertainment and there will be an auction, raffle and games.

It will take place at the Hove Edge Bowling Club on Friday July 11 at 8pm. Entry is free. Money raised on the night going to leukaemia support.