A CHARITY bike marathon is being mounted by Halton Council staff in memory of a much-loved colleague and her grandson.

Cath Mackrell and her 18-year-old grandson Luke died within a week of each other.

Cath worked as a clerical administration officer at Dorset Gardens sheltered housing in Palacefields, Runcorn.

Former St Chad’s pupil Luke was a Runcorn Linnets junior footballer.

The teenager hailed as an ‘amazing lad, full of joy and laughter’ died at Halton Haven Hospice 11 days after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Staff and keep fit enthusiasts will be doing a 100-mile cycle challenge at Kingsway Leisure Centre in Widnes on Friday, July 14, in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Cath, who died in March, did a lot of fundraising for this charity as her eight-year-old grandson Billy is living with the condition.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus.

It can cause problems with breathing and digestion from a young age.

Over many years the lungs become increasingly damaged and may eventually stop working altogether.

Work colleagues are doing several fundraisers to remember their friend.

A tranquil space is being created in the office courtyard at the Bredon respite care home in Palacefields in Cath’s memory.

Staff say she loved reading and relaxing at this spot in her lunch break.

Alison Waller, day services manager, said: “She is greatly missed and the fundraising is a way to celebrate Cath’s life and show how much she was loved by her colleagues and the people who knew her.”

Halton Cllr Marie Wright, board member for health and wellbeing, said: “It is a measure of how well loved and respected Cath was that her former colleagues are doing this for her.”

To take part in the challenge call Phil Burrows on 07597 305801. To donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/HaltonDayServices.