IT was an emotional moment when Joanne Jones decided to follow in the footsteps of her only sister in the wake of her tragic death.

But with three half marathons down and nine to go, the 37-year-old, of Chester Road, is determined not to be beaten by the gruelling challenge.

Joanne alongside her husband Paul, 41, have recently completed the Stafford half marathon – a race her sister Gemma Roe completed just one year previous.

She said: "The day was a rollercoaster of emotions.

"I was standing at the start line wondering what Gemma felt stood there on her race day – knowing that I would be running those very same steps that Gemma did just 12 months ago. 

"I was trying to understand how someone who took so much care of herself could suddenly die four weeks later while taking a regular morning run but she had pushed so hard to achieve such an amazing time of 1 hour and 48 minutes in her very first half marathon."

Joanne has vowed to complete 12 half marathons this year in memory of Gemma, 34, while raising funds for childhood bereavement charity Winston’s Wish.

Gemma, who is mum to Finley, six, Elliott, four, and Theo, two, left the house on the morning of April 18 for a run but she never made it home after her heart stopped beating and she died on the side of the road.

She said: "I remember looking at my watch at 12 miles and saying to Paul that Gemma was just finishing this time last year.

"It was heartbreaking as 12 months ago she was celebrating with her family and we were all so proud of her amazing time.

"We hoped to finish the Stafford half marathon in two hours but we managed to cross the line in one hour and 57 minutes. 

"Crossing that line holding Paul's hand will be a moment I will hold on to forever."

To donate to the cause or follow Joanne on her journey click here.