A FUN run held in memory of a four-year-old who died of brain cancer takes place this Sunday.

Parents Matt and Julie Comer, of Clacton, lost their daughter Maisie suddenly in February 2014.

Together with close friend Brian Telford, 50, and his wife Donna, they decided to hold an annual fun run, which has now raised thousands of pounds for charities.

Brian said: “Maisie had been to a party with my daughter but fell ill when she came home.

“The family took her to Colchester Hospital and quite soon after she was transferred to Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge.

“Within two weeks, she was diagnosed with brain cancer and died ten days after. Until then nobody had any idea.

“One Direction was her favourite group at the time – she was always singing and dancing and had just learnt to ride a bike.

“But two things Maisie liked more than anything were Clacton seafront and custard creams, so there will be biscuit stations along the route for runners.”

For two years The run has raised money for Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s children ward and has done so for a hospice in Ipswich.

It costs £5 to enter and the winner will see their name added to a special trophy.

Brian said: “What’s nice is you get people turn up from different running clubs and walks of life – parents pushing their prams and dogwalkers too.

“People will just walk past and donate because they see what we’re doing. It’s a way of bringing everyone together.

“We estimate about 150 participants this year but the event started with just 60.”

The event starts at 10am from the promenade end of Vista Road, in Clacton.

Supporters can run, jog or walk, with proceeds going to the children’s ward at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital.