Friends and family of a regional journalist are to run a half marathon in his memory.

The runners will take part in the Liverpool Half Marathon in honour of former Liverpool Echo journalist Dan Kay, who died suddenly last year aged 45.

Dan, pictured, ran the event himself many times prior to his death.

The new challenge comes after Echo colleagues were involved in a charity football match which raised funds for three charities close to Dan’s heart – An Hour for Others, Mind and Imagine If Trust.

Dan’s cousin Amos Waldman, who is taking part in the run on 17 March, told the Echo: “The idea to do this came from some of the guys during the memorial football match last year and they asked if I wanted to be involved.

“It is all about bringing people together and helping others. This is what Dan always tried to do. He brought people together.

“We are really happy to be raising funds for Tough to Talk. They are doing brilliant work and their approach is consistent with what Dan believed in. I think he would approve.”