THE dad of Violet-Grace Youens has spoken of his pride in "painting Paris purple" in memory of his daughter.

Violet-Grace died aged four on March 25 last year after she was struck by a hit-and-run driver on Prescot Road.

Her parents, Becky and Glenn, donated her organs, saving two lives and have since held different events to raise money and awareness for organ donation.

And Glenn set the challenge for himself to complete runs and bike rides in order to raise funds for Violet-Grace’s Gift, a charity set up in her memory and for The Isabella-Rose Foundation.

The fund has so far raised more than £17,000 in total.

The Isabella-Rose Foundation was set up in memory of Isabella-Rose Parr, who was stillborn in 2011 by parents Amanda and Geoff Parr, and grandparents David and Nicola Pope, have continued to raise money to help many families across the North West of England, supporting them with the bereavement of their baby or child.

Glenn has completed his biggest challenge yet - as part of a team which cycled from Big Ben in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 24 hours.

Glenn was among a team of 15 who took part in the daunting trek, which was completed on Sunday.

After the challenge, Glenn, 30, said: "To say I am overwhelmed and lost for words about today just doesn’t cut it.

"We cycled as a team from London to Paris in 23 hours!

"My body is fine but my mind has gone.

"I cannot thank everyone enough who rode today and kept me going. You guys are all superheroes too.

"Thank you to everyone who came to support us at the end, it really means a lot."

Glenn added: "The amount we have raised is mind blowing. Today we painted Paris purple!

"The last 24 hours was gruelling but it was all for you Violet-Grace!

"Next year we will paint another country purple.

"Violet-Grace this is for you. Mummy, Oliver and me love you very much - for ever and always."

  • To donate to the fund, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving and search 'Violet-Grace'.