A SISTER honoured the beloved sibling she never got the chance to meet – by helping fund life-saving equipment for the hospital ward which cared for her.

Megan Vickers, 29, of Bancroft Road, Hale, ran this year’s Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon in memory of her late sister Leanne.

Leanne was born on January 1, 1983, and appeared in the Messenger at just one day old, alongside her mum Marie, in a New Year’s Day babies feature.

Leanne was born with a genetic disorder and died a week after she turned two.

She spent much of her short life in Wythenshawe Hospital’s Starlight Ward and, after learning about her big sister from her family, Megan decided to give back to the hospital.

She raised £1120.74 towards much-needed equipment on the ward’s wish list.

“This was my first full marathon; I found the last few miles were especially tough, but the support on the day and all the donations I had received spurred me on to the finish,” said Megan.

“It was an honour presenting the cheque to the team on the Starlight Ward. I really hope that this donation contributes to the great care and support that the team there offer.”

Leanne was born with a rare genetic disorder called infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy.

It is an inherited disorder affecting the nerve axons in the brain and other parts of the body, causing a progressive loss of vision and of physical and mental skills.

Leanne contracted numerous chest infections due to her condition and spent a lot of time at the Starlight Ward before her death in January 1985.

“We were so proud and touched when Megan said she was going to raise money in memory of her sister, who she never met,” said mum Marie.

“Megan is such a special daughter and she did so well in her marathon to raise money and awareness of the Starlight Ward.”