FAMILY and friends of a Bolton athlete who died in a jet ski accident paid a fitting tribute after they took part in a charity run in Spain.

Fourteen family members and friends ran the Benidorm Half Marathon in memory of father-of-five Ian Hales.

He died after a high-powered jet ski he was driving crashed into one of the supports of Blackpool's North Pier last April.

His wife Debbie was also seriously hurt. She suffered facial and internal injuries and was in intensive care for several days.

Mr Hales, aged 47, of Stockdale Grove, Breightmet, was a keen runner for Bolton Harriers and took part in the Benidorm Half Marathon in 2002.

Family friend Ella Walsh, from Edgworth, helped to raise more than £1,000 for the Ian Hales Trust Fund -- which supports young athletes in the North-west -- and Christies Against Cancer after her Bolton-based employer, car dealers The Burnden Group, sponsored her to run in the 13.1mile event.

Her money will also go to Blackpool Victoria Hospital's Intensive Care Unit and Blackpool Lifeboats, who helped to save Mrs Hales' life.

Ella, aged 23, had never taken part in a race in her life, but she was more than happy to pull on her trainers and run in the November event in memory of Ian.

"I was determined to run in the half marathon as soon as the idea was discussed," said Ella. "I only started training three months before the event. It was so tough and after seven miles it became really difficult.

"All I wanted to do was to stop, but I was determined to finish and kept going for Ian. All of my colleagues at The Burnden Group were behind me 100 per cent and I couldn't have done it without their generous donations and support."

Sally Fielding, managing director of The Burnden Group, said: "We were delighted to sponsor Ella in raising money for such worthy causes."