A LIFE-long friendship forged following the tragic events on Buncrana pier saw Louise James join forces in the Belfast Marathon with the hero who saved her daughter.

Ms James, who lost her partner, two sons, her mother and sister in the tragedy, was joined by Davitt Walsh to run in memory of her son Evan (8) who suffered from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Ms James paid an emotional tribute to more than 100 runners who competed in the race as part of Team Evan. A medal won at yesterday's event will be placed on his grave today.

"I want to thank every single person who took part to remember Evan, whether you ran the race or have put your hand in your pocket to donate," she said.

"You did something remarkable in his name and to celebrate his life. I know he would be proud."

Ms James' partner Sean McGrotty (46) died along with sons Mark (12) and Evan, grandmother Ruth Daniels (57) and her 14-year-old daughter Jodie Lee Daniels when their car slid off Buncrana pier in March.

Mr Walsh jumped into Lough Swilly, swam to the sinking car and saved four-month-old Rioghnach-Ann McGrotty.

Speaking to The Irish News yesterday, he described the unbreakable bond he has with Ms James.

"My life definitely has changed, I've probably accepted now that it's never going to be the same again," he said.

"I'm just dealing with it, I'm just taking one day at a time and just trying to get back to as much normality as I can."

He said he visits Ms James once a week, including just last Saturday.

"It's probably the first time we've got together by ourselves and Rioghnach. Every time I go to see her, she actually gives me a lift, she's an exceptional woman, she definitely is.

"There's obviously a bond there and I hope there'll be a bond there for the rest of my life."

Thomas McCallion, who co-ordinated the group, said: "My son Tom, who was Evan's best friend, asked if I would do the full marathon in his memory, a request I couldn't say no to.

"My own club runners and members of other local clubs in Derry and Donegal have showed fantastic support. It has been a positive and memorable day for us all."

Robert Meadowcroft from Muscular Dystrophy UK said they were "deeply proud" and "in awe of the strength of character" of Team Evan.