A WORSBROUGH family whose combined ages almost reach 180 are set to run the Barnsley 10K this weekend in memory of their friend who died of motor neurone disease.

Ken Bywater, 76, his 66-year-old wife Catherine and her daughter, 36-year-old Rebecca Whitehouse, admit they aren’t usually the type to put on their running shoes and go for a jog.

But after the death of their friend Denise Watkins, they decided they wanted to raise money for the South Yorkshire branch of the MND Association.

Ken told the Chronicle: “Our good friend Denise had MND for three years and died in February.

“It was horrible to see.

“We said that we wanted to do something for the charity and we’ve decided to do the Barnsley 10K.

“We’re wanting to raise as much money as possible and I think we’re doing quite well.

“If you add up all of our ages then it nearly reaches 180.”

Ken hit the headlines in the Chronicle 11 years ago when he ran the London Marathon - but this time he’s doing it with his family.

“My wife has never run before in her life and my step-daughter would say she’s not the most athletic,” he added.

“But we’ve been training since February for this.

“I broke my hip three years ago and was told that I shouldn’t really be jogging but I’ve decided to do it anyway.

“Some ibuprofen gel will be able to sort me out.”