A TEENAGER who lost her father to a heart attack eight years ago will be running for the charity that supported her after his death.
Lillie Stevens was 11 when her dad, Terence, died and, for years, she thought he had been killed in a car accident.
But, when she was about 15, she found out that – while her father had been in a car – he had died from a heart attack brought about by a blood disorder.
Lillie, now 18, said it also meant she needed numerous blood tests because the disorder was hereditary.
She found the news difficult to deal with but, last year, her mother discovered the Laura Centre – a charity which provides counselling for bereaved parents and children.
Lillie, of Allestree, said support from the charity turned around her life and she is now taking part in its Colour Blast Dash, at Darley Park on Sunday to raise money.
She said: "The news about how my dad had died brought it back from when I was 11. A year ago, I just couldn't talk about it.
"We found the Laura Centre, although I found the first two sessions hard because I didn't like talking to a stranger. But I knew my mum wanted me to get better, so I really tried to get involved. It did turn my life around.
"I realised I shouldn't feel what happened to my dad was a burden but actually a part of my life and that has helped me move on.
"I've also been able to talk about my experiences and the Laura Centre in school assemblies and I think that has helped others, too."
There is a Laura Centre in Leicester but, in 2011, the charity launched a £150,000 appeal to create another one in Derby.
It has two counsellors based at the Royal Derby Hospital. These help grieving parents.
But it still needs to raise £100,000 to offer counselling to children and to move into its own premises.
Because the charity is working with Derby County Football Club for the Colour Blast Dash, the Rams' chosen charity – the air ambulance – will also benefit.
Runners taking part should wear white and be prepared to be splashed with coloured powder paint on the 5km or 2.5km course
Lillie, of Crabtree Close, said: "I am taking part with 17 of my friends. I've watched video of a previous event – and it looks like a lot of fun.
"I've told my friends I'll buy a pint for whoever finishes covered in the most paint."
For more information about the Colour Blast Dash, or to register, call 0116 254 4341 or visit www.colour blastdash.org.
People who use the discount code DTELE10 will receive a 10% discount on their entry fee.
