Dad to run extreme desert race for murdered daughter

Tim Edwards is hoping to raise funds for the foundation set up in his daughter's memory

The father of a woman shot dead outside a pub is taking part in one of the "toughest footraces in the world".

Elle Edwards, 26, was killed outside the Lighthouse Inn in Wallasey, Wirral on Christmas Eve 2022.

To honour Ms Edwards's memory, her father, Tim Edwards, is taking on the extreme desert race - Marathon Des Sables.

Mr Edwards said he was "looking forward to the pain" of the six-day marathon.

'Giving up not an option'

The extreme race will consist of either a run or a walk in 40 degree heat, covering 156 miles spanning the southern Moroccan Sahara desert over the six days.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Edwards said: "I am looking forward to the pain it's going to bring my way, pain is just weakness leaving the body.

"Others in the race will have elite support and the best of the best along side them.

"Me, I'm just a divvy from the best place on the planet, giving up is not an option."

Elle Edwards was an innocent bystander when she was shot dead while on a night out with friends

Innocent bystander Ms Edwards was shot twice in the head when Connor Chapman opened fire with a sub-machine gun, targeting two men who were standing near her as she smoked a cigarette outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village.

The attack was the culmination of a violent feud between rival gangs on the Woodchurch and Beechwood estates, on either side of the M53 in Wirral.

Chapman was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 48 years.

Mr Edwards had previously spoke to the BBC about his daughter, who worked as a beautician.

"How can I put across how she was to people who didn't know her? Great, beautiful, kind, giving.

"Always looking out for people, especially her family. Bubbly. Always had a laugh."

Elle Edwards was killed outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey Village, Wirral

In the lead up to the extreme race, Mr Edwards has been fundraising for The Elle Edwards Foundation and Charlotte's Brightside.

Nearly £500 has been raised so far for the two charities.

Mr Edwards set up The Elle Edwards Foundation to help families going through the same ordeal.

Charlotte’s Brightside charity was founded in memory of Charlotte Churchill, who died in a car crash in April 2011.

Mr Edwards left the UK earlier this week and will begin the race, which he described as "serious business not to be underestimated", on 14 April.