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“I have to keep raising money – to help other families in the same situation”
“It’s a really fun day out – for the whole family. Everyone can do it – from toddlers to grandmas – and the more people that take part the more money we’ll raise. Not only that but it’s a great way to spread awareness of the work you do.”
Known as Team Maci, around 16 people did the Colour Run in 2018 to raise money in memory of Maci. “Maci’s schoolfriends, their mums and dads, her aunt, her dad, partners – they all got involved. It’s lovely to be able to get together and do something like this. Even though there’s a sad reason behind it, it’s a happy day and it’s great to have achieved something positive, in Maci’s name.”
Susan says she doesn’t know what her family would have done without Forget Me Not when Maci spent the last few days of her life at Russell House. “It was like a home from home, somewhere safe and special for us all to be together out of the hospital environment. When we arrived at Forget Me Not, someone asked us what we wanted for our tea. I was like, ‘what?!’ We’d got so used to living on sandwiches and out of a vending machine at the hospital, we couldn’t believe someone was offering to make us some food!
Forget Me Not was amazing, we could spend time with Maci or take a breather in the Hub knowing that Maci was getting the care she needed.
That’s why I have to keep raising money – to help other families in the same situation.”
Susan says Maci would have wanted her to do it too. “She was so kind and generous – she gave money to the hospital while she was ill. She’d have wanted me to do it. She’d have done it herself. That’s why I do it.”
With its great atmosphere, easy 3.5km course and clouds of colourful paint powder being thrown at runners, our Colour Run is a “messy, fun and friendly day,” says Susan. “Everyone helps everyone else, cheers each other on. Whether you’re running in memory of someone or just to raise money, the Colour Run is a great way to do that. Why not join us?”
The Colour Run is on 8th June at Orchard FM Sports Park just off Junction 23 of the M62. To get colourful with Team Maci and all the other families and Forget Me Not supporters who are taking part, register now here.
