THEY say you should start running young and one auntie took the phrase to heart as she crossed the half marathon finish line with her ‘extra special’ three-month-old niece in her arms.

Nicola Lingley-Heath faced a battle just to get to the start of the 10K race on Sunday morning after suffering from health problems that have left her partially blind in one eye and caused a great deal of pain.

But the 30-year-old, of Marsh House Lane, was determined to pick up baby Darci Hall-Heath for the final stretch of the race along Winmarleigh Street.

Nicola is a member of Warrington Running Club who took a beginners course with the group and went from zero miles a week to completing her first half marathon within a year.

But since undergoing surgery after being diagnosed with retinal detachment and eye problems earlier this year, nurse Nicola has not been able to run and was helped along the course by her close friend, Lauren Parker.

Nicola said: “The support of the club is amazing, I have made some really good friends. Sunday was a big thing for me, I had to downgrade it to the 10K. I still wanted to be part of the day and support my friends from the running club as well as enjoy the atmosphere. Lauren stayed with me to make sure I was okay.”

But with her friend by her side and Darci in her arms, Nicola made it through the race and hopes it will inspire her young niece to enjoy running as much as she does.

“I really wanted to cross the finish line with Darci,” she said.

“She’s very special. I know she might not understand it yet but I wanted her to see that if you put your mind to something, you can do it.

“It was a bit mad because the announcer said ‘now there’s a baby crossing the finish line’ and everyone was looking.

“She’s a nosy girl so she liked being out and about watching everyone. She will definitely be a runner if I have anything to do with it.”

Nicola, who is originally from Stoke-on-Trent, said she does not know what the future holds for her as she recovers from her illness but she want to continue lacing up and getting outside for a run with her friends and perhaps one day, Darci too.

She added: “I really enjoy it, I don’t know what’s going to happen but I hope I can get back into running.”