“Chloe ran the London Marathon a few years ago, I promised her that I would do one, and that I would do it to raise money for LOROS.”
One of Tracey Ford’s closest friends, Chloe Bradley died at the Hospice a year ago. Leading up to Chloe’s tragic death, Tracey, 53, promised Chloe that she would run a marathon for LOROS.
“Chloe was an adventurer, so active, so vibrant, she was always busy. We ran together, went skiing and she got me into mountain biking. I applied for the place shortly after she died, just over a year ago.
“Chloe died at LOROS on 12th April. She was just 37 years old. I ran the London marathon days after the anniversary of her death. “
Tracey, of Leicester said: “LOROS is amazing. They looked after Chloe, her friends, family and even her dog, Star, when she was admitted in 2017. I had never had contact with any hospice before, I was so impressed with the care we all received from all the staff and volunteers, the atmosphere of the place and the gardens.
Tracey worked with Chloe at the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland Community Rehabilitation Company (DLNR) and completed the 26 mile challenge on Sunday with a time of 05:18:23.
“I didn’t say I’d definitely do London, but the race was just ten days after the anniversary of her death, and a month after her birthday, so it felt right.
“I picked up an injury at mile 19 and saw a physiotherapist at mile 21. He told me I'd strained a muscle in my calf, I could make it worse by continuing, but if I walked it out I probably wouldn't do too much additional damage,”
“There was no chance I wasn't going to finish, but those last few miles were so painful. I walked, but I did run over the line.” added Tracey.
“All Chloe’s family, friends and colleagues at DLNR were thinking of her. I ran to celebrate Chloe’s life and to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”
Tracey had hoped to raise £2,000 for LOROS which she has now surpassed.
“The fundraising target is well and truly smashed. With online donations, cash I've been given, money I've got from running the tuck-shop at work, money raised by LOROS shops from my donations from a big clear out, it's going to top £3,500. That is more than I hoped. I have been overwhelmed by people's support and generosity. “
Chloe’s mum, Isobel Bradley said: "It’s an amazing amount of money that’s been raised. Chloe would be so proud of Tracey for doing this and we feel very touched that Chloe has inspired her to run the marathon. I was tracking Tracey all the way."
If you want to run for LOROS in next year’s London Marathon, applications for 2019 are being taken. The public ballot for the London Marathon opens on 30th April.
To apply for a place, you can call our fundraising team on (0116) 231 8431 or for more information go to loros.co.uk/london.
If you’d like to support Tracey’s fundraising, click here.
