Marjon student runs in memory of mum to make Christmas special for others
Released: 01.11.17
Marjon BSc (Hons) Rehabilitation Sport & Exercise student, Heli Radcliffe, will be making sure that this Christmas is a happy one for those in Plymouth who need help most by raising money for Loopy Lou’s Legacy, a charity she set up with her sister in memory of their mum who died this summer just 50 years old.
Heli has already raised £800 by taking part in the Hope 12 trail run, a 12 hour endurance race covering 50 km near Plymouth. She took 18th position out of 86 solo runners, despite recovering from a major knee operation when she began training for the race.
“Mum struggled with lots of issues, including addiction and finding herself homeless after domestic abuse, but whatever she was going through she always managed to make Christmas really special for me and my sister,” explains Heli.
“She had amazing strength and was always there for other people and for animals, she never gave up on anyone.
“We decided to set up a charity in her name which would make Christmas special for those in Plymouth who might be struggling. It’s our way of giving back to the people and animals who supported and helped mum most, as well as our way of celebrating the memories she gave us. It’s her legacy to them and us.”
In addition to her run, Heli and her sister Polly-Anna are collecting toiletries, food and warm clothing and using money raised to buy gifts for children and teenagers so they have a present to open on Christmas day. Polly-Anna is baking Christmas cakes and putting together sets of Christmas dinner ingredients so families can have a special meal.
The sisters are working with the Salvation Army, Hamoaze House and the Margaret Green animal charity in Brentor who are helping with distributing the gifts.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their tremendous support for Loopy Lou’s Legacy, including my friends at Marjon who helped me prepare for the Hope 12 race and Albion Ladies’ Rugby team who I play with,” adds Heli.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to Loopy Lou’s Legacy or help in some way should visit Go Fund Me.
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