THE father of a young Altrincham woman who was tragically killed on the A56 has praised her best friends running in her memory.

Graduate Helena Thurm, 25, was hit by a car as she walked across a pedestrian crossing on Washway Road in Altrincham on June 20.

Helena sadly died from her injuries in hospital the following day, surrounded by her family and close friends.

Helena’s best friends Ellie Dixon-Smith, 26, Phillip McLaggan, 28, and Hannah Gilroy, 24, ran the Salford 10k on Sunday, September 4, in honour of Helena.

The trio raised almost £1,000 for the UK’s largest dog welfare charity Dog’s Trust, as Helena loved animals and had three family Beagles growing up, and mental health charity Mind.

Helena’s dad Alan Thurm, a 62-year-old retired college lecturer, spoke to the Messenger after the race.

“My family and I could not have survived the last few weeks without the help and love of Helena's friends and the kind and caring support of the wider community in Altrincham,” said Alan.

“I am extremely grateful that Helena's friends Ellie, Hannah and Phil ran the Salford 10K and raised so much money for the charities Dogs Trust and Mind.

“Both of these charities were highly regarded by Helena and the money that has been raised for these good causes is a fitting commemoration to our daughter."

Helena’s family and friends spread her ashes at Treyarnon Bay, in Cornwall, which was where she spent many summers growing up, on the eve of her 26th birthday.

Alan said: "My beautiful daughter, Helena, was cut down in the prime of her life, and her death has had a devastating effect on our family. My wife, Sandra, our two sons, Stephen and Michael, and myself have been emotionally and physically shattered by our loss.

“The fact that Helena's death was sudden makes our loss all the more difficult to bear. The police are continuing their investigations into this road collision, and I would urge any witnesses to this incident who have not already contacted the police to please do so.”

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741/5.