FRIENDS of a Colne man who died in March are taking on this weekend’s Manchester 10k in his honour.

Peter Dutton, 60, died in Reedley’s Pendleside Hospice in March after battling a lung tumour.

Now his son, Mark, has entered the race along with 27 other friends and family to raise funds for the hospice.

Mr Dutton said: “The passing of my father was a difficult time, but the friends and family I have round me, especially in helping with this great cause, have been absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t ask for a better group to be running with.”

Pendle Council leader Joe Cooney, a family friend, said: “Peter was a good friend and was planning his retirement when he was diagnosed with his illness.

“Mark Dutton and two friends originally set out to run the Manchester 10k to raise money for Pendleside after his father was admitted there. “Unfortunately Mark’s father passed away on March 8 whilst still in the hospice’s wonderful care.

“In that moment of sadness came inspiration and his friends have since rallied around to join him in the run and the number is now up to 28.”

To donate visit www.just giving.com/Mark-Dutton1.