The mother of Megan Roberts, who drowned after falling into the River Ouse in York on a night out, will take part in the Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon to raise money for water safety charities, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and York Rescue Boat.

RLSS UK ambassador, Jackie Roberts, will be among a team taking part in a relay of the 26.2 mile course on 11 October in memory of her daughter and under the title ‘Miles for Megan’.

Megan was 20 when she disappeared on a night out with friends in York in January 2014. Her body was found in the river almost six weeks later.

Since then, Jackie has worked with RLSS UK, the drowning prevention charity, to raise awareness of the dangers of open water and importance of water safety education.  

She said: “We have got two teams running made up of family, friends and Wetherby High School students.

“One of Megan’s friends, Racheal Storey, is going to run the whole marathon after the first relay leg. We have had amazing support already and although we are a little nervous we are really inspired about taking part.

“Since Megan’s death, I have been working closely with the RLSS UK to help raise awareness of the dangers of open water, particularly when under the influence of alcohol. RLSS UK funds raised by us will be used primarily to support the national campaign Don’t Drink and Drown.

“Both York universities are running the campaign in December and January as this is a particularly dangerous time.”

RLSS UK Chief Executive, Di Steer, said: “It is great that Jackie is taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon to raise funds for the RLSS UK and York Rescue Boat. We wish her and her team mates the best of luck.”

To support the Miles for Megan team, go to justgiving.com/MilesforMegan or text MMEG93 to 70070 including an amount between £1 and £10. 

Don’t Drink and Drown is an RLSS UK campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of being around open water when under the influence of alcohol and getting home safely after a night out. Click here to view the campaigns most recent film.