A LOYAL friend is going the extra mile to help patients with a rare blood condition.

Kay Fairclough, 59, of Walton, will be running 13 miles between Walton Pier and Clacton Pier on Sunday to raise funds for Diamond Blackfan Anaemia UK.

The condition affects less than 150 people in the UK, causing their bone marrow to stop producing red blood cells.

The charity became especially close to Kay’s heart when her best friend Karen Lilley’s granddaughter was diagnosed with the condition.

Kay said: “Imogen Price was diagnosed with this extremely rare blood disorder last year aged just six months old and I wanted to do something to help.

“I started running with the Walton Warriors two years ago, but the half marathon distance will be the furthest I’ve ever attempted.

“I’ll be running on the same day as the Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon, so it would be great to see some other runners out there too.”

Kay will be celebrating her 60th birthday in October, which is another reason why she accepted the challenge.

Her best friend Mrs Lilley, 59, of Walton will also be supporting her with husband Roger Lilley, 61, of Walton.

Mrs Lilley added: “Our little granddaughter has had to endure so much already in her first year.

“We are so proud of how brave she is and want to help raise awareness and funds for the charity that has been a huge support to our daughter and son-in-law”.

Imogen, who is 14 months old, is receiving regular blood transfusions at Colchester Hospital to help maintain a healthy level of haemoglobin.

Her mother Tara Price, 30, of Colchester, said: “The DBA UK support group have been absolutely incredible, offering advice and reassurance when there was so little information available online.

“The pioneering research that this small but ambitious charity is helping to fund is amazing, investigating gene therapy and gene editing which will have an impact on the treatment and potential cure of other blood diseases and genetic disorders”.

“The treatment options available to DBA patients are not without serious side effects, so we are determined to do all we can to help with research in a bid to find a cure”.

Kay’s marathon takes place next Sunday at 8.30am near beach hut 22a, by the Walton Pier.

To support the appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kay-dba to donate.