A TWELVE-STRONG team has completed the Leeds 10K Run in memory of an Otley rugby player.

Dave Green died in 2008 of Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), a rare but extremely aggressive condition more commonly known as flesh-eating disease.

He was 30 years old and the only warning symptom he’d had beforehand was a sore throat.

Dave's family and friends set up the Dave Green Foundation to continue his passion for participating in events to raise money for various charities.

Last year they made a big donation to the Lee Spark NF Foundation and it was that charity's founder, Doreen Cartledge (Marsden), who came up with the idea of holding an annual event in memory of Dave.

She said: “My son, Lee, was 23 when he passed away in 1999 of the same disease.

“Afterwards, when I saw how little awareness there was of NF, I started my own charity.

"Dave's family raise money in their own way for the cause and I know them from my charity ball last year, when they donated £12,000 which was fantastic.

"As a 'thank you' for that donation I suggested that we hold a Dave Green Memorial event every year, starting this year by taking part in last weekend's Leeds 10K Run.

"Twelve of us took part, including ten of Dave's friends, to raise awareness of NF while also raising some funds.

"The runners included an NF survivor, Robin Grant, and my other son Martyn Spark.

"It was a great run and a brilliant day."

She added: "With funds raised from the Leeds 10k we will be purchasing further Educational Training USB pens

"These will be distributed to appropriate medical staff who are likely to treat early onset of NF, enabling them to make an early diagnosis to save lives."

The Lee Spark NF Foundation says it exists: "To help those whose lives have been affected by necrotising fasciitis and other severe streptococcal infections, and medical staff who are involved with investigating, diagnosing and treating NF."

To find out more visit nfsuk.org.uk .