A SUPER-FIT mum whose family has been devas-tated by multiple sclerosis is raising cash for a charity which supports people with the disease.

Hazel Mrozek, 42, of Burnley Road East, Lumb, is hoping to raise more than £1,000 for Burnley and Pendle Multiple Scler-osis Society by taking part in the Great North Run for the eighth time, on Sunday, September 19.

She said she was inspired to start fundraising for MS charities when her sister, Janet Ingham, 54, died of a deep vein thrombosis as a result of being left wheel-chair bound by MS.

It was days before Hazel’s first race in September 2003.

But her desire to support the cause has remained as strong as ever because her brother Arthur, 55, also suffers from the disease.

This year will see Hazel’s husband Bernard, 50, join her at the start line for the second time, despite being told by doctors he would never run again after losing a drastic amount of weight.

And the couple’s daughter Sarah, 16, will take part in the junior race, along with a teenage friend.

It will be the first time Hazel has raised money for a local society.

She said: “I don’t know if I would do it if my family had not been affected. I’m not a natural runner and it does take a lot of effort. I only started to run for my brother and sister.”

The Burnley and Pendle MS Society takes sufferers to local weekly meetings and on trips out.

Hazel said: “For some, this is the only opportunity to be out of their homes. My brother benefits from the work done by the society, so it means a lot personally to raise as much as possible to make life more comfortable for these local sufferers.”

Hazel has raised £17,000 for the MS Society since her sister’s death in 2003.

MS is an inflammatory condition that affects the central nervous system and can cause visual problems, muscle weak-ness, as well as difficulties with co-ordination and speech.

To sponsor Hazel and Bernard go to www.justgiving. com/bernardandhazel