Cumbrian uncle prepares for running challenge in memory of niece

Tim Miles aims to do the Brecon Beacons 105k next Saturday, July 27, for his niece Alyx Edwards, who died in November last year.

The 46-year-old was due to run the challenge last year but due to injury he was unable to do it and a few months later Alyx died suddenly.

READ MORE: Barrow event to raise money in memory of lost loved ones

Alyx was born deaf so Tim is taking on the challenge to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society which helped his brother, sister-in-law and Alyx in the past.

"She used to love to play with my boys," said Tim.

Tim's boys Luke and Xavier with Alyx (Image: Submitted) "Alyx was the happiest child you could meet, her smile would light up the room.

"I am doing this challenge so other children like Alyx can be helped in the future."

Tim, who works for North West Air Ambulance in Millom, said he was a 'little bit nervous' about the challenge.

Tim with his family doing the hand sign which means 'I love you' in American Sign Langue - it was the sign people used for Alyx’s name (Image: Submitted) Three weeks ago he was hit by a car while out running but he did not sustain any broken bones.

"I practice four or five times a week. I have been running for about seven years and I have run a few marathons," he said.

In the past, Tim has done the Windermere, London, Manchester and Grizedale marathons. 

"I am running on my own and my family is going to meet me halfway round at 27 miles," he said.

Tim, who is also a retained firefighter at Bootle, has thanked those who have made it possible to overcome his donation target with a total of £1,058.

"All the money is going to families and help children like Alyx going forward," he said.

Tim's brother Sam Edwards said: "We found out Alyx was Deaf when she was two weeks old and this news left us feeling unsure of so many things. We felt alone on an island. The NDCS were one of the first contacts we had that enabled us to understand deafness and this new community that Alyx and we were a part of and offered lots of support. We began by learning British Sign Language each week with their online baby sign classes.

Sam with his daughter Alyx (Image: Submitted)

"With the support of the NDCS we were able to share a language with Alyx who left us far too soon. We will always be grateful for their support and the beautiful memories we have signing with Alyx."

Tim would like to thank two local companies Voom Nutrition and Coniston Cooperate Lt for the support.

To donate visit Tim's GoFundMe page here.