Stephanie to take on her first-ever half marathon
When Stephanie Helmore (pictured left) takes on the 13.1-mile run in this year’s Torbay Half Marathon on Sunday 21 September, every step will be in memory of her dear friend, Holly May Bedford (pictured right, and below). Holly sadly died at the age of 33 after a short illness with stage 4 melanoma, and for Stephanie, this race is about honouring her life, her courage, and her incredible spirit – and to raise vital funds for the hospice that cared for her.
Running in memory
“Holly has been my reason to put my running trainers back on,” Stephanie says. “I had the privilege of knowing her for 20 years, and in that time, she became one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and funniest people I’ve ever met. Holly had a way of lighting up a room with her smile and lifting spirits with her laugh and generous heart.”
Going above and beyond
“Even in the toughest moments, Holly gave more than 100%,” says Stephanie. “In fact, she had a saying: ‘104 not 100%’. That was Holly in a nutshell – always going above and beyond, always giving her all to the people she loved and the life she cherished.
“Near the end of her life, Holly was cared for by the team at Rowcroft Hospice. Their compassion and support meant a lot to her and to all of us who loved her.
“For the run, I initially set a fundraising goal of £1004 – a number that felt just right, because Holly would never settle for anything less than 104. And I’m delighted to say that I’ve already exceeded that target, with donations still coming in!”
A tribute for a dear friend
For Stephanie, every step of the 13.1 miles will be dedicated to Holly’s memory:
“Every step I take in this race is for Holly. For her courage. For her laughter. For the love she gave so freely. And for the legacy she leaves behind.”
A first half marathon
“As a child I competed for my county in cross country and athletics,” says Stephanie. “But as an adult and now a mum to two children I had stopped competing due to time and other sporting commitments.”
Now Stephanie’s rediscovering her love of running for a cause that means so much to her.
Raising vital funds for the hospice
Stephanie has set up a fundraising page where supporters can make a donation to Rowcroft in Holly’s memory. See: https://sportsgiving.co.uk/sponsorship/entry/1563601
“Whether it’s £1.04, £10.40 or £104, every donation helps – and every penny honours my amazing friend,” says Stephanie.
Join Stephanie on the start line
We’re so grateful to Stephanie for sharing her story. If you’ve been inspired by her journey, why not take on the challenge yourself? Whether you run in memory of someone special, in celebration, or simply for the thrill of the race, your miles will help Rowcroft provide care, comfort, and support for local people at the end of life.
Sign up now for the Torbay Half Marathon or 10k: https://rowcrofthospice.org.uk/events/torbay-half-marathon/
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