A WOMAN from Bangor-on-Dee has donned her running shoes to raise awareness of lung disease.

Tracey Jones will run the Chester Half Marathon on Sunday, April 29, in memory of her father, Denis, who passed away last November after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a common lung condition which affects approximately 80,000 people in Wales. The condition means that sufferers find it difficult to empty air out of their lungs because airways have become narrowed.

As well as fundraising for the British Lung Foundation, Tracey, 38, wants to raise awareness about the disease and the charity's work.

“Before dad became ill he was a very good runner, so in his honour I decided to take part in the Chester Half Marathon. I’ve only ever run one 10K before, so this will really be a challenge," she said.

“I don’t think lung disease gets the publicity it needs. Last September dad turned 70, so we had a garden party, even though he had only been out of hospital a few days.

"He insisted that the whole family got together. I think he knew it would be his last birthday and he had also celebrated 50 years of marriage last year.”

Her father had been diagnosed with pigeon lung in the 90s which forced him to give up his beloved sport. His condition then progressed into asthma, and eventually he was diagnosed with COPD five years ago.

"He was a hard working builder/foreman, but had to retire early because of his illness," recalled Tracey.

“He was a quiet man, but when he did speak it was usually to say something hilarious and cheeky. He couldn’t keep still, and was either doing jobs around the house, gardening, looking after his pigeons, or doing building work for people in his spare time.”

Joseph Carter, Head of British Lung Foundation, Wales, said: “We would like to thank Tracey for sharing her story with us and for raising money for us. We are so proud of all of our fundraisers."

* The British Lung Foundation can be contacted for help and support on 03000 030 555.