Brave Milton Keynes mum inspires hundreds of people to run a half marathon in memory of her 'special little girl'

Little Evie Marland had been ill since birth and the heart-breaking decision was made by her parents Ellie and Pete to move to Helen & Douglas House for end of life care.

"I’d never imagined I would ever have to go through the pain of losing a child, but I did," said Ellie."It happened to me and I couldn’t imagine having to deal with that alone.

"Helen & Douglas house provided a space to make happy memories away from hospitals where we could be together as a family without worrying, knowing nurses and doctors were on hand to ensure she was comfortable Those days at the hospice are so precious to us, even now a year on."

Evie would have been celebrating her first birthday on September 19.

Ellie signed up for this autumn's Oxford Half Marathon back in January, and found that training for the marathon and raising cash for the hospice has helped her grief.

"I’m not a natural runner, but I wanted something to focus on whilst raising money for this vital service," she said.

Like many events this year, the physical race was cancelled. But Ellie and Sarah made a promise to themselves to run 13.1 miles on the October 11 in a virtual race they called Footprints in the Stars.

What she didn't bargain for was the hundreds of other people who would join her in the special one-off virtual event because they were inspired Evie’s story.

"I never imagined a heartfelt and honest post in a community group hosted by a brand of my preferred loud and colourful gym leggings would lead to the amount of support not just reminding me why I was running, but also to launch an event where others could run, walk, cycle with Sarah and me at their own pace," said Ellie.

"Within the group there were so many others who had also been helped by Helen & Douglas House over the years and you realise how valuable they are to the families who need them.”

Like many charities, Helen & Douglas house has suffered from cancelled events, but to continue to provide the care and love these families need they need to raise over £3.6 million per year.

Sarah and Ellie have raised £465 so far but would love to raise more. You can donate via a Just Giving page here .

People are also welcome to join them in the Footprints in the Stars event on October 11 by doing any activity over any distance.

You can find out more here https://www.activelygiving.co.uk/product-page/footprints-in-the-stars-11th-october