JUST 12 months ago, a young family was looking forward to a happy life together.

But now, a mother-of-one is raising money in memory of her partner of 14 years who died suddenly at the age of 33.

Liam Chronnell, a Bolton News sports journalist, died in December 2011 from sudden adult death syndrome.

Caroline English is running in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young, which aims to reduce deaths from the condition by raising awareness and screening.

Liam, a popular and talented sub-editor and writer who had worked at The Bolton News for five years, had no other health problems and died in his sleep.

Miss English, mother to two-year-old Olive, said: “Last year the three of us were all together, as a happy family, and it’s difficult to comprehend how things can change so quickly.

“It’s coming up to a year. I have good days and bad days.

“I’ve just got to keep going, to do the best I can for myself and Olive, which is what Liam would expect.”

The 33-year-old from Whalley Range, and Liam’s sister Clancey will join 17,000 other runners on the 13.1 mile Run to the Beat half marathon, in London, on October 28.

Despite not setting herself a fundraising target, she has so far raised more than £2,400 in sponsorship.

Miss English, who works in sales, said: “I’m nervous about it because it’s the most I will have ever run.

“It’s given me something to focus on while raising money for CRY as well.”

Sudden adult death syndrome is a cardiac death of an apparently fit and healthy young person, often without symptoms.

Caroline said: “When Olive is 14, she will be having tests to make sure that she has not got the same heart defect that Liam had.

“It’s more common than you think, unfortunately, and any money that can be raised for CRY is a good thing.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/Caroline-English.