A councillor for a Fulwood ward is stepping down less than a year after being elected, in tragic circumstances.

Councillor Anna Hindle, Labour, was elected in May last year winning the Garrison ward from the Conservatives.

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But following a short and sudden illness her youngest son Tim, 13, died after being diagnosed with a malignant aggressive brain tumour.

Anna herself was also diagnosed with cancer and is still undergoing treatment.

Cllr Hindle told Blog Preston: “This came as a huge shock and due to this bereavement, I do not feel at this time that I can stand in the 2019 May elections and serve the constituents of Garrison to the best of my ability.

“I have really enjoyed the exciting challenge of being a Labour city councillor for Garrison Ward. It has been a huge privilege to meet residents and assist with important issues that affect their lives. The largest challenge has been trying to save and then reinstate the bus service to Longsands Estate.

“However, unfortunately my year in office has not gone at all to plan due to unforeseen personal events.”

Read more: Preston survey shows ‘everything to play for’ in this year’s all-out local election

Tim attended Walton-le-Dale High School and one of his teachers Gary Hardman is planning to take on a walking challenge in Tim’s memory.

Cllr Hindle said: “One of Tim’s favourite songs was 500 Miles by The Proclaimers.

“Mr Hardman is planning to walk and cycle 500 miles in a week.”

The hike will take in Snowdon, Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and cycling the route between them.

Mr Hardman is raising money for the Manchester Children’s Hospital iMRI Scanner to help future children with brain injuries.

Donations can be made via the Justgiving page.