A woman whose father committed suicide will be running in the Leeds Half Marathon to raise money for Mind.

Tarah Finlay, 23, was a teenager when her father Robert Wade took his own life after suffering from depression.

Now she is putting herself to the test to run the race in his memory and to help others with mental health problems.

Robert, who ran his own business and had three children, was just 38 when he died eight years ago.

“I have chosen this charity for a very specific reason and I don’t think I could have picked a better one,” Tarah said.

“I sadly lost my dad eight years ago to depression. Unfortunately, he decided to take his life. Looking back now I don’t think he knew or had the confidence to seek help or speak up to a family member. If only he’d spoken to somebody, would he still be here today?”  She added: “I am really looking forward to running in memory of my dad and am hoping to raise lots of money for Mind, which does invaluable work.”

Tarah, who is a fryer at The Wetherby Whaler in Guiseley, has been on a healthy eating regime – although she is planning to “carb up” on fish and chips the night before the half marathon.

She also regularly runs the seven miles to work from her Pudsey home in preparation for the 13-mile race. She is being supported by colleagues who plan to cheer her on at the start line of the race on May 11, and she thanked everyone at the Wetherby Whaler for their support.

“I’m hoping to complete the run in less than two hours, with lots of hard training, eating right and dedication I know it’s achievable,” she added.

Restaurant chain owner Janine Murphy said: “It is a great thing that Tarah is doing and everyone at the Wetherby Whaler in Guiseley is very proud of her. A lot of our members of staff take part in fundraisers and we are always happy to support their efforts.”

Visit justgiving.com/tarah-finlay to sponsor Tarah.