THE parents of a Dunfermline tot who died from cancer held a 5K race and fun run on what would have been her fifth birthday. 

Danny and Shonagh Byrne, of Sandpiper Gardens, organised the “sparkly” event in memory of Evie, who passed away aged just two in May 2013. 

The couple were joined by hundreds of family and friends for the charity jog through the streets of Duloch yesterday. 

They called it ‘Evie’s 5th Birthday 5K’ and Danny, 33, said: “We wanted to run it at twilight because Evie loved sparkly stuff and bright colours, so we asked people to bring glow sticks, torches and flashing lights. 

“Others were doing 5Ks at the same time in Peebles and a friend of Shonagh’s was running in Barcelona.”

Co-op Funeralcare helped out at the event, which saw hundreds of runners depart from and finish at Dunfermline East Church. 

A family fun run also took place, with kids, mums and dads completing three loops of a one-mile track in the park. 

Danny added: “Our son Alfie, who is six, has caught the running bug, so he wanted to take part, too.”

Evie was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer when doctors discovered a stage 4 Wilms’ tumour in June 2012. 

With her parents practically living at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, the brave little girl endured numerous gruelling treatments, but sadly died a year later. 

Last night’s events helped raise money for It’s Good 2 Give, a charity that helps young people, and their families, with cancer. 

The charity is in the process of building a retreat at Loch Venachar. 

Danny said: “Shonagh is an ambassador and Alfie is the youngest ambassador for the charity, which helps support kids throughout Scotland.”

The event was also a gentle warm-up ahead of a more-arduous task, next month’s London Marathon. 

Danny has already completed two marathons, but this will be Shonagh’s first. 

He said: “I work away a lot, but we’ve got a training plan in the kitchen and a contract of support, which myself, Shonagh and Alfie have all signed! 

“Rain, hail or shine, she’s been out there doing 12, 14 or 16 miles at a time. 

“It certainly gets you fitter and you can definitely get away with eating a lot more cake when you’re running!

“I’ve started my own Jog Scotland group, too, I’m coaching others, and I’ve realised what you can do and how much better and fitter it can make you. 

“Evie was in hospital for a year, so we weren’t eating or sleeping right, just living hour to hour and day to day, so you weren’t thinking about anything else. 

“Running is now a massive part of our lives and it’s a big commitment.”

The couple have helped raise thousands of pounds for charity since Evie’s death, with a bridal march in Dunfermline bringing in more than £1,700, a fashion show collecting £1,500 and, on Saturday, a quiz in Rosyth amassing more than £1,000. 

They’ve also been involved with twilight runs around Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh and mini kilt walks in bright pink tartan. 

Danny said: “We’ll always remember Evie, but it’s good to have fun events that people can take part in to remember her, too.”