WHEN teenager Stuart Buchanan died last year, his family and friends pledged to keep his memory alive.

And next week they will fulfil their promise when they travel to Liverpool en masse to take part in the city's half marathon.

Stuart, from Old Hall, died in December last year aged 17 after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in June.

Soon after his death, his parents and friends set up the Stuart Buchanan Memorial Fund to raise cash for the haematology department at the Royal Liverpool Hospital where he was treated. More than £3,000 has already been raised for the unit, thanks to a number of donations and fundraising events.

Stuart's mum, Linda, said: "More than 50 of us will be taking part in the half marathon in memory of Stuart wearing special T-shirts with his picture on them.

"The enthusiasm from everyone is great and we have had some support from businesses so we hope to raise a sizeable sum for the department.

"It has been three months now since Stuart died and it is still quite difficult.

"But the focus on the event and the training has been a great help.

"We still have a lot of contact with Stuart's friends and they will be joining us on the day."

To support Stuart's fund, e-mail jlscusa@yahoo.com or call 232517.