Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ Emergency Department Senior Sister, Lucy Lowe and Health Care Assistant, Claire Walker, are running this year’s Great North Run in memory of Claire’s son Axl, who sadly passed away just before his third birthday in 2018.
The pair are hoping to raise £2,000 which will go towards Bradford Hospitals’ Charity’s ‘Sparkle for Axl’ campaign and its work in supporting child patients through the purchase of entertainment, learning, sensory and distraction toys.
Claire said:
Every time I run a big race – I’ve three more half marathons booked for next year – there is always someone special and dear on my mind – my son Axl.
This will be the second Great North Run (GNR) that I will have completed since Axl died and I will carry on running and raising money for Bradford Hospitals Charity as we received wonderful care and support from the children’s wards when Axl was sick.
I now work for the Trust as it’s my way of giving something back to the NHS and it makes me feel positive and like I am still doing something connected to Axl. Whenever I take part in the GNR, I will be doing it with him in mind.
Running gave Claire focus while caring for Axl, who suffered from congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA), a rare blood disorder resulting from a decrease in the number of blood cells (RBCs) in the body and a less than normal quantity of haemoglobin in the blood.
After two failed bone marrow transplants, Axl sadly passed away at Leeds General Infirmary on March 7, 2018; three days before his third birthday.
Later that year, Claire completed her first GNR. The 13.1 mile route between Newcastle and South Shields, which is the world’s largest half marathon, takes place on September 10. Running has always given Claire a focus to help her cope with her grief.
“It has been my saviour going for a run,” explains Claire who became involved in fundraising for Bradford Hospitals’ Children’s Charity after Axl received treatment on our children’s wards.
Sparkle for Axl takes place every Christmas and sees the community make donations instead of toys so staff can buy the toys and equipment needed within the children’s wards.
For their training, the duo is currently running three times a week. They have also taken part in 10K races, while last year Claire completed the London Marathon for the first time.
Lucy commented:
Claire is an amazing runner and I am incredibly honoured to be running for Sparkle for Axl.
Lucy and Claire’s justgiving page can be found at: bradfordhospitalscharity.enthuse.com/pf/claire-walker
Lisa Williams, Head of Fundraising, concluded:
Claire started fundraising for BHC back in 2016 and to date has raised £11,500 for the charity. She has dedicated her time and efforts into many challenges in memory of Axl and we are so grateful for her support.