Mum returns to Bolton to complete Ironman in memory of mum who died aged 32

Mid-way through the gruelling triathlon, participant Laura Crick's bicycle chain jammed, causing several spokes to break and the wheel to stop turning.

"Unfortunately it meant I could not carry on", she said.

The 43-year-old, who was taking part in memory of her mother, who died of cystic fibrosis when Laura was aged seven, said "she could not leave the job unfinished."

At 4.30am on Saturday, she travelled from her home in Kettering with her dad Michael, to pick up the challenge where she left off — outside the Grey Mare pub in Harwood.

This time around, she had the support of Team Deane's Marc Clough who accompanied her for the remaining 28-mile cycle as well as the marathon, when they were joined by more than a dozen runners from Tri-Rivington and Team Deane.

On completing the triathlon, Laura said: "I had to come back and finish what I had started. I felt I owed it to the people who had sponsored me.

"It feels more special than if I had finished on the red carpet and become an Ironman because of the number of people who have come out to support me. I have had unbelievable support.

"I hope I have made my kids, my dad, and of course, my mum, proud.

"It is nice to run for a charity that is close to your heart. It is what keeps you going."

Mum-of-three Laura has previously run the London Marathon in memory of her mum, Gillian Crick, who was aged just 32 when she died of cystic fibrosis — a genetic condition which causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.

Michael said: "A lot of people can carry the gene but not know it, so anything that keeps it in the public eye is good. If people are able to donate to this cause that would be great.

"Laura is not doing this for her own glory, she wants to raise awareness about this horrible disease."

Laura, who is a nurse, has been fundraising for about 10 years, including raising money for Help for Heroes and climbing to Everest base camp.

Michael said of her latest endeavour, which began at 7.15am: "I'm not surprised at all that she came back to finish it.

"Unfortunately her bike malfunctioned last week but the main thing was that she was okay.

"I'm always very proud of her, in everything she does, as are her children, and her mother would have been too. She would be backing her 100 per cent."

He added: "It is just amazing the way that people have come around Laura. It makes me feel very humbled. There has been a huge show of community support."

Ironman volunteers Janet Gibson and Sara Waller were among those who turned out to cheer Laura on.

They said: "We heard her story on social media and said we would come back to support her.

"She is incredibly brave. It is nice that she wanted to come back and complete it for the charity."

Marc, who has been training with Laura for seven months, said: "It is amazing that she came back to Bolton to finish this. I'm so happy for her."

Laura has raised more than £850 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lauracrick76.