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A Keighley teenager has completed her first marathon at the age of 19 ahead of a special family challenge inspired by her father's life-saving heart surgery.
Lily Milner recently crossed the finish line of the Altra Yorkshire Marathon after months of training, with proud family members cheering her on throughout the event.
Her achievement comes as the Milner family prepare to take on the Manchester Marathon together in aid of the British Heart Foundation, following father Stephen Milner's triple heart bypass and heart valve replacement 12 months ago.
'It's a massive achievement'
Lily's mum, Anne Milner, owner of Rosa Rugosa Florists in Keighley, said she was immensely proud of her daughter for completing the challenge at such a young age.
She said: "She's only 19, It's a massive achievement."
While marathon running has become increasingly popular among younger people, Anne admitted she was surprised her daughter had chosen to tackle such a demanding challenge so early in life.
Despite her concerns, she said Lily remained committed to her goal and dedicated herself to months of training.
"She trained so hard for it," Anne Milner said.
A natural runner from an early age
According to Anne Milner, her daughter's running talent has been clear since childhood.
She recalled a school cross-country race where Lily almost missed the start entirely.
Young Lily Milner at one of her first running competitions. (Image: Anne Milner)
Ms Milner said: "All the runners had set off and she just said, 'Oh mum, have they set off?' Then she overtook every single person and won it."
Despite her natural ability, Lily Milner stepped away from running during her teenage years before taking the sport up again earlier this year.
Ms Milner believes social media running communities helped reignite her interest.
Tears at the finish line
The whole family turned out to support Lily Milner on the big race day, with her dad Stephen Milner following sections of the route on a bicycle.
Ms Milner said Lily looked strong for much of the race before the challenge began to take its toll in the latter stages.
Ultimately, watching her daughter complete the marathon proved emotional for everyone involved.
Anne Milner said: "It was very emotional, very tearful. Even her brother had some tears in his eyes."
Inspired by Stephen's recovery
Lily Milner's marathon success comes ahead of a milestone challenge for the whole family.
Just a year ago, Stephen Milner underwent a triple heart bypass and heart valve replacement surgery.
Now back to full health, he is preparing to join Lily, Anne and their son on the start line of the Manchester Marathon.
The family will be running in support of the British Heart Foundation, raising money for a cause that became deeply personal following Stephen's surgery and recovery.
Ms Milner believes the determination shown by her husband over the last year has helped inspire the family's latest running goals.
"I'm definitely super proud," she said.