A CHARITY trust set up in memory of a runner who died during a race in Hong Kong has pledged its support for disabled swimmer Ethan Naisbitt.

Accrington lawyer Daniel Bagshaw died just metres from the finish line of the International Triathlon Union Asian Cup in Lantau two years ago.

His mum, Shelagh, decided to set up the Daniel Bagshaw Memorial Trust to help youngsters achieve their potential.

And Ethan, of Garden Street, Accrington, is the first youngster to benefit from the trust.

Mrs Bagshaw, of Riverlea Gardens, Clitheroe, said: “I had seen the stories about Ethan and I knew him when he was a boy so I put it to the other trustees.

“I said this is something I will take care of, this can be my baby.

“I really do want to support him. He is a lovely lad and his family are really nice.

“He wants to get to the 2020 Paralympic Games and he is doing really really well.”

Mrs Bagshaw, who launched the trust alongside husband Peter and their elder sons Ian and Gary, said the money would help the family fund Ethan’s swimming.

She said: “He has one leg and yet he has found something he can be really good at, which is swimming.

“His family have funded him so far, but all these trips to competitions can be expensive, especially when they have to pay extra for his insurance for competitions abroad.”

Mrs Bagshaw said her son would have been proud to know money in his name was helping other people.

She said: “We presented him with a cheque and I think if Dan were here he would have been really pleased.

“We are hoping to support other children as well. At least something good is coming from my Dan’s death.

“He would be really proud that he is helping people.”

As well as sponsoring young people, the trust is funding a research project in London looking at sudden adult deaths.