MARATHON runner Laura Graham has spoken about the emotionally challenging experience of her run on Saturday, which took place to remember the son she lost.
The run, called ‘Luca’s legacy run’, sought to raise money for the Willow Bereavement Suite in Daisy Hill, and remember little Luca who was stillborn in February.
Laura ran 40 miles alongside her husband Thomas who cycled from their home, in Kilkeel, to Newry and back again. She said that the experience was emotionally draining, but that the chance to honour her little boy drove her on.
Laura said: “It was emotionally draining to the point I didn’t think I could do it. In the end it was ok. “The s-road on the way home was brutal but we knew that pain was only temporary and this was for Luca – our precious wee man – and no pain will amount to the pain we have losing him. “The cycle/run was truly a challenge, though we said we would crawl if we had to do it. But in the end we didn’t need to.”
Laura explained that throughout the 40-mile journey they had company from friends and family, who were either running with them, cycling, or cheering from alongside. “The people at different areas supporting really astounded us!” she said. “Then when we arrived at the roundabout near Daisy Hill the rest waited and let Thomas and myself travel it together. “We were greeted by staff. Then, after picking each other back up, we headed homeward bound. “Again more runners and cyclists joined in and did their bit. That was something we will never forget. “We are both overwhelmed by the support that has been given, even by those who journeyed to cheer us on throughout!” Now that the run is over, Laura and her family are now settling back into the reality of their lives. “We had a focus during the lead-up to the run. During that time we had been distracted.”
However, they believe they can get through it because they are feeling support from their family. “I can’t believe it’s all done. Four months ago we were, and are still are, pretty shocked by the trauma but we can’t express how much our wee community and further afield have supported us. “But we firmly believe we are being held and we will be guided throughout it all.”
Ahead of the run Laura had told the Mourne Observer that she and her husband had not trained much for the event. So the achievement of completing such a journey was a revelation. Laura said: “Physically we are both surprised. We ain’t so bad. It is a miracle. We even managed a run yesterday and this morning. “I am so proud of my husband who hadn’t been on the bike to do any amount of training before the ride. He is a true legend. No matter how tough it got going up those hills he didn’t stop. He’s one of a kind! “I want to thank the family and friends who journeyed throughout it with us. We will never forget the last couple of miles from home when our kids joined us and other family members. The day was an emotional one. “We are so proud of them all who have helped in every way! “At home we were totally overwhelmed by people wellwishing us and just showing up from different parts. It’s just crazy.”
The fundraising for the Willow Bereavement Suite has been a great success. “We have now raised over £20,000, which is amazing. I cannot thank each and every person enough, who have been so generous. “Not only that, the Friday night fundraising event which the hockey girls organised was a tearjerker. The kids making mix ups and raising money in their own way just amazed me. We are so proud of them all! “Kilkeel Primary School did their 40 miles between four classes, which was just special. Kilkeel High School had a break the rules day and raised money. “Ballyvea had a charity match and raised funds for the bereavement suite too. “We want to thank all those who helped at the street collection on Saturday, which raised over £3,100. It’s just amazing. “To all sponsors and providing us with drinks for the run, we can’t express how much it means to all of us Grahams!” And Laura added that it was important to point out that there are many more who will need help and that’s why the fundraising is so necessary. “I would do it again and again to help others who will endure the heartbreak,” she added.