Half-marathon to be ran in memory of volunteer 'missed across North Somerset'
Crew members of Weston-super-Mare are running the Weston Super Half in memory of Chris Lyons, who died two days before Christmas Day 2023
Weston-Super-Mare's RNLI crew are taking on the town's Super Half Marathon in memory of one of their volunteers.
Chris Lyons suddenly died just before Christmas 2023 during emergency surgery on his heart - with more than 3 and a half thousand pounds since being raised in his memory for his 11-year-old son.
He was just 31 years old when he died.
In a statement when he passed away, his RNLI crew members said "The loss of his larger than life character has been felt across the North Somerset community.
"Chris was an avid Bristol City supporter, well known in the vehicle recovery industry and a passionate dedicated RNLI volunteer helping to save lives at sea.
"Chris had been training with fellow crew members for the 2024 Weston Super Half Marathon, who will now be running in honour of his memory."
The Bristol City supporter was laid to rest back in January - which you can watch on the Weston-super-Mare RNLI social media below.
Speaking to us, team member Rob Lewis said: "Chris was a very involved member of the crew, and had been for a number of years - as has his family, too.
"In the Weston Super Half, a number of the crew will be raising money for him - as will the Mayor, which is amazing to see just how the local community have rallied around.
"The love and support we've seen has been very special - I know his family have been very moved by what they've received too.
"We had a great send-off for Chris, and being the 200th anniversary of the RNLI too, this is a very special time at the moment - so everyone taking part this Sunday will be doing it for him."