Daughters of United star run in his memory
THE daughters of a Manchester United player who took his own life will honour his memory by taking on the Great Manchester Run for a mental health charity.
Alan Davies tragically committed suicide in 1992, after dropping off his daughter Katie – who was only four at the time – at school.
The Wales international, who played for the Reds between 1982 and 1984, was playing for Swansea City at the time. He died just six weeks before Katie’s younger sister Sophie was born.
The talented player ‘didn’t confide in anyone’ about the problems that plagued him, Katie said – a common issue with men battling mental health problems at the time.
Katie said depression is a cause which her and her sister feel ‘very passionately about.’
The sisters are planning to raise funds for Mind by running the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run half marathon in May. The 30-yearold, who lives in Manchester, said: “Now, people talk about their feelings more but back in the day, no one ever did, especially guys. More and more people are talking about their feelings. I think that’s quite apparent recently.
“Sophie never met our dad but she’s the one who is really positive about it. It is sad, but we try to think of the positives because there’s no point dwelling on the past. You have to move forward. He didn’t confide in anyone, but that was the norm in those days I suppose.”
After completing the Simplyhealth 10k last year, the sisters thought they were ready for a new challenge this year, which is why they signed up for the half marathon.
Katie said: “Last year’s event was my first 10k. I’d never done anything like it before, I wasn’t very fit and I just wanted to do it. I didn’t train that much but I think I did it in a good time.
“We’re looking forward to it but we need to do some more training. It was brilliant last year, I loved it. If there weren’t as many people showing their support as there was I don’t think I’d have finished it.
“With it being just after the bombing, the event felt quite special. If anything bad happens in the city, it has a community feel, people come together. It’s a great city.”
To join Katie and Sophie on the start line on Sunday, May 20, visit http:// www.greatrun.org/greatmanchester-run to sign up.