THE great-granddaughter of a former Bradford City manager is attempting to raise £1,000 for a charity close to her heart.

Bryan Edwards, who was in charge at Valley Parade between 1971 and 1975, sadly passed away from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's back in 2016 at the age of 85.

His relative Ellie, 19, is now determined to her bit to improve research on the diseases by fundraising for Alzheimer's Research UK.

The Leeds Beckett University student will be running 150 miles in March and has already raised a quarter of her target.

Bryan was a talented cricketer and footballer, having trials at both Bolton Wanderers and Yorkshire CCC as a teenager.

He signed a full-time professional contract with the former in 1947.

It led to a hugely successful time at Burnden Park, making 518 appearances in an 18-year association with the club. The wing half played a part in Bolton's famous 1958 FA Cup win.

After resigning from the City helm at the start of 1975, he returned two years later to take up numerous roles which included physio, assistant manager, and general manager.

Ellie says Bryan's historic career inspired her to take up the sport at an early age.

The Queensbury resident has even followed in the footsteps of her great-grandad by representing the Bantams.

She is the captain of the women's reserves, currently competing in her ninth season with the club.

Another reason why she is doing the challenge is to keep her fitness up ahead of when training can return from a three-month hiatus at the end of the month.

Speaking about how it all came about, Ellie said: "I just thought I would do something for my great-grandad.

"I know a few other people who have suffered from Alzheimer’s and families that have been affected.

"He was the one who got me into football. It was like a circle; he got his son into football then my dad got me into it.

"He was my role model and had plenty of stories to tell about his career.

"Hopefully, he is proud to see what I am doing.

She added: "It is just about seeing how much I can run each day. After each run my legs absolutely ache. It is pretty much the same route each day.

"This will get me fit as well for when we do get back training on March 29. I have missed all the team and the social environment."

To help Ellie reach that £1,000 mark, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/elliegraceolivia-edwards?utm_term=PwBYBeDmP