A WOMAN has turned the tragedy of losing her sister into a battle of bravery -- and become the first person to win a prestigious award.

Courageous Hazel Mrozek, 35, of Lowerhouse Green, Lumb, Rossendale, decided to run in The Great North Run, in Gateshead, to raise cash for the Multiple Sclerosis Society after her sister died last week.

And, on Sunday, she will receive a top accolade in the event's first-ever bravery awards.

Hazel wrote a letter to run organisers explaining why she was taking part.

She was then picked out of 47,000 runners to receive first prize and a £1,000 donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

When the 13.1-mile run is completed, Hazel will be interviewed live on television when she will pay tribute to her sister -- Janet Ingham, 54, of Park Road, Waterfoot, who died after contracting deep vein thrombosis, which was linked to her multiple sclerosis.

Hazel said: "I feel so proud of Janet. To be able to do something like this in her memory is just so overwhelming. I never expected it to go this far, but winning this award is a huge honour. I was so emotional when I found out, I just couldn't stop crying. With me doing this it has helped everybody to focus on something positive, which Janet would have wanted."

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

The funeral was held yesterday at Newchurch Methodist Church, where her favourite songs 'Miss You Nights' by Cliff Richard and 'Words' by Ronan Keating were played.

Janet's brother, Arthur, 50, who also suffers from MS, said: "It was awful to see how Janet's condition gradually got worse. She attended Rakeshead rehabilitation unit at Burnley General Hospital, which really helped. I have been going because I want to keep mobile.

"The work they do is fantastic which is why all the donations are going to them.

"Janet was such a wonderful person. She never had a bad word to say about anybody -- she was one in a million and we'll never forget her."

Hazel has already raised £1,200 through various sponsors and received another £1,000 boost from Interfloor, of Haslingden.

To sponsor Hazel, contact her on 07812 683344.