A GRANDAD set a good pace around the Coniston 14 event today in his bid to raise funds to provide research into a debilitating disease which his young grandson has.

Michael Moorby finished the Lakes race in two hours eight minutes and he has so far raised more than £600 for the The Lily Foundation in honour of his grandson, Jasper Holt.

Jasper, who is almost three, was not expected to live more than a few months. He has mitochondrial disease and other serious conditions which are life-limiting, but he powers on and is now talking and walking.

The Lily Foundation aims to fund research to improve diagnosis of mitochondrial disease, increase treatment options, ultimately find a cure and raise awareness of the life limiting condition. 

Mr Moorby, 61, says Jasper, is "the bravest" and "most determined" person he knows and this was a way of saying thank you to Jasper for being in the lives of his family.

The retired Millom School maths teacher said: "Jasper is brilliant, he's a character. 

"I did it for Jasper. It's important because I want to raise money for research to help understand the disease.

"I was pleased with my time, I was expecting about two hours 20."

Mr Moorby has a JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Fiona-Moorby/