Maddy Cusack: Former colleague to run half marathon in her memory

Maddy Cusack died in September aged 27

A former colleague of Sheffield United's Maddy Cusack is set to take on a half marathon to raise funds for the foundation set up following her death.

Cusack, the first player to reach 100 appearances for the Blades, died last September at the age of 27.

Sam Turner, who worked with her in the club's marketing department, said he planned to run the Sheffield Half Marathon to "keep her memory alive".

He said any money raised would go to the Maddy Cusack Foundation.

Sam Turner said he wanted to take part in the half marathon to help keep Cusack's memory alive

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Mr Turner said his former colleague had been "so energetic and happy and full of life" and said her death had come as "the most unbelievable shock you could imagine".

"After the dust had settled to a certain degree, I knew I wanted to do something to keep her memory alive, both personally for me as part of the process of remembering Maddy, and to raise money for the foundation that was set up in her name," he said.

"I thought that running felt appropriate given that she was an athlete.

"It's the first time I will have run the distance so I'm a little bit nervous but a little bit excited at the same time."

He said he felt Cusack had become a "beacon for women's football and an icon for Sheffield United" but was also a "really good friend and colleague".

An inquest into Cusack's death at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire was opened in October and adjourned, with the medical cause not yet established.

Last month the Football Association announced it had launched its own investigation into the circumstances leading up to her death.