A well-known runner from Queensbury will be fondly remembered at Bradford's Lister Park by his friends and family as they raise funds for dementia research.

The parkrun on Saturday, May 9 will be dedicated to the memory of Arthur James, who died almost three years ago to the day at the age of 76.

Mr James was a committed runner and ran 100 park races while raising thousands of pounds for various charitable causes. His death shocked the running community in Yorkshire.

Kim James, 54, of Horton Bank Top, Bradford, is helping to organise the Memorial Day, which starts at 9am, and wants to continue her father-in-law's legacy

Ms James said: “Arthur started running when he was in his early 60s.

"When Bradford Parkrun first started he was one of the first people to take part. He inspired and encouraged so many people including his grandchildren, Vikki and William Lomas, to take up running and keep healthy.”

The annual Memorial Day will see participants raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which is the parkrun’s official charity partner and a cause Mr James had championed.

Ms James has also helped organise a raffle for a free sports massage and a bake sale to help raise funds for the cause.

Parkrun UK, the nation’s biggest running movement, organises free weekly 5k timed runs across the UK.

The organisation aims to promote exercise as a way of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

On the day, the Arthur James Special Recognition Award will also be presented to a parkrunner who has helped encourage others to get involved in running.

Ms James, who was very close to her father in law and said she had completed races and parkruns with him, described him as a brilliant man.

“He was a true gent, he did so much for running and to support various charities and always wanted to help people and put something back into the community. The memorial run is our way of carrying on his memory and it gives people an opportunity to get together and remember what he did to get people running, as well as donating money to one of his favourite charities.”

Dementia affects over 850,000 people in the UK, including 5,500 in Bradford.

Claire Priestwood, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This is a wonderful tribute, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Kim and her fellow parkrunners for their support at this event. Every £1 raised on the day can help provide crucial resources for our scientists, bringing new treatments, improved diagnosis and preventions closer.”