DAUGHTER of former Bolton Wanderers star Gary Parkinson, who is battling the the devastating "locked-in" syndrome, and her school pals took part in a 5k run to raise money for a trust set up in her father's name.

Sophie, along with nine pupils, teachers and staff ­— including headteacher Tony McCabe ­— at St Joseph's RC High School in Horwich took part in the recent 5k and found out this week they had raised £1,500 for the Gary Parkinson Trust.

She said: "The school have been great in supporting my Dad’s Trust and it has been great to doing something with my friends and teachers.

“We originally set ourselves a fundraising target of £200, so to actually raise well over £1500 is incredible and an achievement for everybody who was involved. All we can say is thank you.”

The group of runners were supported by Sophie's father, who was there at the finish line.

Gary made close to 500 appearances in his professional football career for Middlesbrough, Southend United, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Preston North and Blackpool.

He moved to the area to join the Wanderers during the days of manager Bruce Rioch, but has remained in Bolton ever since.

Gary suffered a devastating stroke in 2010 while he was in his early 40s, and developed locked-in syndrome.

He is only able to communicate using eye movements.

The Gary Parkinson Trust was been created to fund and support Gary's Rehabilitation and his family needs.

This has included being able to buy a specially adapted vehicle so he can get out and about.