A BRAVE witness to the car crash which took the life of Redditch teenager Ollie Sellers will join his dad in an emotional marathon, to help overcome the tragedy and raise money in his memory.

Janet Easen was the last person to speak with 19-year-old Ollie before he died following a two-car collision on the A4023 Coventry Highway in Redditch on May 27.

The 27-year-old, who was travelling in a car behind him with husband Angus and mum Julie, has struggled with anxiety attacks and flashbacks as a result.

Her family and Ollie’s – who have handed Worcestershire County Council a 2,841-strong petition calling for crash barriers – have been a point of support for each other since.

Now Janet and Ollie’s dad Paul have decided to sign up to next year’s Birmingham Marathon together, to help aid their recovery and honour Ollie’s memory.

Mrs Easen, from Bromsgrove, said: “May 27 was a truly life-changing day.

“I was passenger in the front seat of the car and genuinely my life flashed before me.

“I have decided that life is too short. I want to do something to change my life and do something to honour the life of Ollie, who I tried so hard to comfort in his last moments.

“I have struggled badly with anxiety attacks and flashbacks and needed a focus. Knitting wasn't for me, so when I saw an advert for this year’s marathon I decided to enter next year.

“It's going to be the biggest challenge of my life as I am not a runner, but I’m determined to raise as much money as possible in Ollie’s memory.

“Ollie lived his short 19 years to the fullest, completing skydives and taking life by the horns.

“I hope to make him proud and I hope it will help me heal by bringing me closer with the Sellers family.”

Janet hopes to raise £2,620 for Brake the road safety charity, equating to £100 a mile, and plans to hold community events to help her reach her target.

Ollie’s dad Paul, 47, aims to raise at least £1,000 for Touchstones bereavement charity.

He said: “Witnesses are often forgotten and that's not good as, in Janet's case, what they saw was very traumatic and life changing.

“It goes without saying we've developed a bond with them.

“I'm a keen runner and planned to do the Birmingham half marathon this year, but due to the circumstances I haven't had time to train for it so withdrew.

“I've always wanted to do a full marathon and Ollie knew this was one of my ambitions.

“So when Janet told me her plans I had no hesitation joining her journey and training with her.

“We are delighted with her cause and touched she is doing it in Ollie's memory.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paulsellers or justgiving.com/fundraising/fat2fitmymarathonstory.