A GRIEVING father dressed as one of his late daughter's favourite children's television characters to complete the Worcester Half Marathon.

Gareth Kelly turned heads as he ran the marathon dressed up as CBeebies Something Special star Mr Tumble.

The character was a favourite of his daughter Grace, from Crowle, who died from an aggressive form of cancer in November 2014.

Mr Kelly and his wife Jen set up Grace Kelly Ladybird Fundraising Appeal in her memory to raise money for Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group and Acorns Children's Hospice.

The 35-year-old raised £1,900 for the appeal for his run dressed as the television character who is also a favourite of Grace's little sister Jess.

His wife said: "Six months ago, Gareth completed a 5K Santa Run for Acorns, and has since worked really hard to bring himself up to running 13 miles, a great result.

"He completed in a really respectable time, and did it dressed as Mr Tumble who always made Grace laugh.

"Grace's little sister Jess was out supporting him and cheering him on.

"Grace would have been so proud of her dad.

"When Grace was little, she loved Mr Tumble, as does her little sister Jess, so it seemed the obvious choice.

"Plus, the outfit added an extra factor that Gareth hoped would encourage people to donate.

"On the day, he was the only one in fancy dress he saw, but he said the response was great.

"Everyone was really supportive and positive and he got a lot of comments."

Also raising money for the appeal was Michelle Nolan, aged 36, who took part in the Stratford half for the appeal and also the full Worcester Marathon in four hours and 25 minutes despite injury.

Mrs Kelly continued: "She has worked so hard for the appeal and has put her heart and soul into fundraising for us.

"She has been a complete star, and I just wanted to say thank you to her."

"Michelle has put her everything into fundraising in memory of Grace. She has been so kind, and has so far raised £1500."