Leeds 10K: Emotional day for family and friends of young mother who died last year

A tearful Mr Denby and his daughter Kennedy, four, stood at the finish line to clap and cheer family friend John Murtagh, 40, who sported a specially printed T-shirt in memory of the young mother.

"She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 26 and fought it for six years," said Mr Denby, who lives in Gomersal, near Bradford.

"She was a very inspirational person. After treatment at Dewsbury Hospital she became pregnant with Kennedy and did the Race for Life while pregnant.

"When Kennedy was 12 months old she found another lump, had more treatment and beat it for the second time. But it spread through her body. She was given three to 12 months to live and lived for another seven months. She died last July.

"We held a family fun day in the village two weeks ago, which raised more money for a cancer charity, and we are planning to put a plaque in memory of Leanne on a park bench in the local park."

Keen runner Mr Murtagh, who yesterday posted a 10k time of 42 minutes 54 seconds – not quite his best – is also planning to do the Great North Run in October, having run a half-marathon in Liversedge and a 10-mile run in Bradford last year.

"It was a great atmosphere today and well organised. I was 122nd overall, which is not bad. It was an emotional day for Mark, with it being just a few days before the anniversary of Leanne's death."