THE family of one of the youngest Manchester Arena attack victims are holding a double fitness fundraiser in Winsford this summer.

Winsford-based family members of Eilidh Macleod, 14, from Barra in Scotland, are in the process of organising a fitness marathon event to mark 11 months since the tragic attack, as they prepare to take on the Great Manchester Run on May 20 – two days before the one-year anniversary.

A cousin of Eilidh’s dad Roddy, Suzanne White is putting on a day of activities on April 22 at Winsford Cricket Club, to raise funds for a memorial to Eilidh in her Scottish hometown, as well as causes in mid Cheshire.

Suzanne, whose parents are from the Outer Hebrides but has lived in the town for most of her life, said the reaction from the town has been heart-warming, with a number of businesses and residents coming on board to help out.

She said: “It’s been absolutely amazing and wonderful how supportive people have been. The attack touched everybody’s lives.

“It’s early stages, but we have been overwhelmed by support from businesses and have some great prizes lined up for a raffle.

“We had only initially thought about doing the run, and Eilidh’s dad would like us to also support something local. We are looking at a local charity and hope to get them involved in the near future.”

The run will see members of the more than 10-strong team take on a new challenge, with the fundraising day an excellent way to continue the training and involve the community in raising money for a worthy cause.

Suzanne said: “I have got absolutely no experience. I really am going from the couch to 10k, along with my daughter and son – who was particularly close to Eilidh.

“We just decided we wanted to do something to raise some money, and my husband is doing the half-marathon event.

“We had been going to this gym for a while and Adam [Murphy] who worked there is a good friend. He suggested to us to hold the marathon fitness event and do it as a fundraiser – it started form that and has grown ever since.”

It is hoped that the event, which is still being planned, will feature sports activities, a bootcamp-style fitness marathon with Adam and his new venture The Cheshire Fitness Hub, and children’s events as well.

Talented piper Eilidh will also be remembered on the day, with the Greater Manchester and Oldham Pipe Bands both set to attend to kick off proceedings.