MARATHON man Jason Hales is hoping a sporting triumph will emerge out of a family tragedy.

Jason (27), born in Whitefield, lost his father Ian in April last year when he was killed in a jet-ski accident in Blackpool.

The father-of-five, who was a British athletics coach, died when a high-powered jet ski he was driving crashed into one of the supports of Blackpool's North Pier.

His wife, Debbie, a passenger, was seriously hurt. She suffered facial and internal injuries and was in intensive care for several days.

Jason, formerly of Manchester Road, along with his three brothers Michael, Martin and Matthew, and sister Joanne, has created the Ian Hales Memorial Trust to commemorate their father's life.

They hope to raise money for local good causes, including Bolton Harriers, where Ian (47) was a leading coach.

The family has organised this year's Bolton 10 kilometre race, which will be known as the Smith Knight Fay Audi Bolton 10k. It is expected to draw a star-studded field of up to 1,000 competitors.

Jason, who works for the car dealership in Stockport, will lead a team from his company in the race.

The 10K event will be held at Leverhulme Park, at 11am this Sunday (April 18), with a fun run at 10am for children.

The annual race was the last event Mr Hales took part in before the tragic accident. It coincidentally falls on the same day as the first anniversary of his death.

Jason, who now lives in Sale, was coached by his father to become an England international fell runner.

He said: "My father was instrumental in encouraging many exciting athletics talents and loved to attract kids into the sport. But the important goal is to create a viable charitable trust that will continue for years to come and help athletics in the north west.

"Hopefully our family's tragedy will serve as an inspiration for others to take up the sporting challenge laid down by our dad, He would have been very proud to know a new generation of young athletes was running because of him."