WATCHING her sister's children come to terms with the death of their loving mum who left the house for a morning run and never made it home has inspired Joanne Jones into action.

The 37-year-old, of Chester Road, has vowed to complete 12 half marathons this year in memory of her only sister Gemma Roe, 34, while raising funds for childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.

"When I see her three boys I feel so much heartache for all those special moments they will never get to share with their mum,” said Joanne, who hopes her fundraising efforts will help other children facing a difficult road ahead.

"They are so young to lose the most important person in their world."

Gemma, who was mum to Finley, five, Elliott, three, and Theo, one, left the house on the morning of April 18.

But Gemma, who was living in Stafford at the time, was almost home when her heart stopped beating.

Joanne said: "She died on the side of the road. 

"It was tragic and it has been awful.

"There wasn't a chance to say goodbye. There was no warning – it just happened."

Her death came as a devastating shock to Joanne as Gemma was in good health and had recently completed a half marathon in one hour and 48 minutes.

"She was fit as a fiddle," she said.

"She was a normal 34-year-old mum just trying to make the most of the time she had.

"It has made me realise to enjoy the simple things in life and the people around you. Don't take anything for granted."

Joanne, who works for CJ Retail Solutions, will be joined on the charity challenge by her husband Paul, 40, as well as some friends and family along the way.

The first race took place in Helsby on Sunday.

"It was horrendous – cold, windy and wet but I really enjoyed it," she added.

"Coldplay was played at Gemma's funeral and at around two and a half miles into the run there was a guy and I could hear what music he was playing and it was Coldplay.

"Those little reminders keep you going. 

"It was a difficult day with lots of emotions to go through but Gemma would love it because she was so competitive. 

"A friend posted to say Gemma would be looking down and laughing. 

"I think she would have been up there shouting because I had a pain in my knee and I had to stop to stretch it out.

"She would be telling me to get my bum in gear and get to the finish line."

To donate click here.