A BRAVE Rossendale woman who used personal tragedy to raise money for charity is donating an award of courage in her sister's memory.

Hazel Mrozek, 35, of Lowerhouse Green, Lumb, was the first person ever to win a prestigious bravery award for running a half-marathon in the Great North Run, Gateshead.

Have-a-go Hazel exceeded all expectations when she ran the race of her life in less than two hours.

She has managed to raise around £4,000, after receiving £1,000 in the Great North Run's Spirit of South Tyneside Award's.

Hazel will be donating the money to a Multiple Sclerosis charity after her much-loved sister died two weeks ago.

Hazel wrote a letter to organisers of The Great North Run, explaining the reasons why she was taking part. She was then picked out of 47,000 runners to receive first prize and be interviewed by TV presenter Sue Barker.

Hazel used the opportunity to pay tribute to her sister, Janet Ingham, 54, of Park Road, Waterfoot, who died after contracting deep vein thrombosis, which was linked to her MS.

Her older brother, Arthur, 50, also suffers with MS, which is why she is so keen to highlight the disease and raise money for the charity.

Hazel, who was a non-runner before she started training for the event six months ago, said: "It was such an emotional thing for me to do -- I know Janet would have been so proud of me. When I came through the finishing line I just broke down. Every time I started finding it hard I just looked at my picture of Janet and got my inspiration from her.

"The support I have received throughout my training, and after the event, has been overwhelming. Janet loved Emmerdale so I spoke to the man who plays Eric Pollard and told him what I was doing. He had tears in his eyes and gave me a massive hug and told me I was an inspiration which I thought was really nice."

Janet, who was married to Geoff, 55, and has three daughters, Deborah, 35, Stephanie, 34, and Michelle, 31, had battled with MS for more than eight years before losing her fight on Monday, September 15.

Hazel presented the trophy to Geoff yesterday in Janet's memory.

Geoff said: "We are so proud of Hazel and what she has achieved in Janet's memory -- in fact it has made me consider taking part in the run next year if I can get myself fit enough. In some cases people who have pledged donations have doubled the amount."

Hazel is still collecting sponsorship, so anyone wanting to pledge a donation can contact her on 07812 683344.