A pub manager is lacing up her running trainers in memory of her dad.

Nichola Stevenson, general manager of the Park Tavern, will take on the Manchester Marathon next month.

In doing so she will be raising money for Macmillan, who supported her late father, Jim, during his battle with cancer.

The 37-year-old said: "In all honesty, it was a split-second decision!

"After dad passed, I always had this feeling that I wasn't doing enough.

"One night, I was sat at home doom scrolling online and it popped up. Something in my head just decided 'sure, that's a great idea!'

"Next thing I know, I've signed myself up and convinced myself that it was a perfectly easy thing to take on!"

Nichola is running the Adidas Manchester Marathon in memory of her dad, Jim (Credit: Supplied)

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Nichola, originally from Northern Ireland and now living in Whaley Bridge, took over the running of the Park Lane pub four and a half years ago.

Her dad, Jim, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2023 and sadly passed away just one year later, aged 66.

"It was a really turbulent time for my family, full of unknowns and what ifs," Nichola said.

"Without the help of the nurses and support we received we wouldn't have known what to do and we can't thank them enough.

"That's why I chose to run for Macmillan. Cancer affects so many of us and the services they provide are vital."

The Manchester Marathon takes place on Sunday, April 19.

Asked how she's feeling about it with the big day fast approaching, Nichola added: "I am nervous! Optimistic but nervous!

"It's coming around very fast, and the reality of what I have set myself up for is sinking in!

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"26 miles is a lot further than you think it is but I am going to go out there, do my best, try to enjoy it and soak in the atmosphere, and hopefully cross the finish line!"

She continued: "I've never done anything like this before.

"I haven't run probably since I was in high school and even then I couldn't run a mile without stopping!

"Now I am amazing myself each week with how much further I can push myself."

Nichola and family, including dad, Jim (Credit: Supplied)

Donations can be made in-person at the Park Tavern or online, through Nichola's JustGiving page.

It's fair to say she has well and truly smashed her initial target of £500, with nearly £2,500 donated so far.

Nichola said: "I am so incredibly proud! The support from the local community and Bollington Brewery has been so overwhelmingly incredible!

"I never in a million years would have thought I could have raised that much!

"The whole experience has been amazing so far, so many people have very kindly donated, given me kind words, plenty of advice, and even shared their own stories with me.

"This money will help so many people in the same situations get the help and support they need.

"It's so easy to get completely lost when you're dealing with cancer. Charities like Macmillan provide such vital services to people. Simply knowing your not alone and have somewhere to turn makes such a difference to people."