A WOMAN from Old Colwyn ran the London Marathon last weekend in memory of her late brother, who died 10 years ago at the age of 22.
Patrice Bowler, 34, had never ran a marathon before last Sunday (April 23), but completed it in an impressive time of 4:22:12, with her partner, David, running alongside her.
In doing so, she has raised hundreds for St David’s Hospice, a charity who had provided end-of-life care to her brother, Darren, before his death in January 2013.
Darren had been diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a form of cancer, at the age of just 19.
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Patrice said: “It (London Marathon) is such a big challenge. I’m not a majorly athletic person, and not by any means a runner.
“I did the Conwy Half Marathon in November, but aside from that, I’m never run more than 13 miles.
“But the run was also to raise awareness, and for young people to know the signs of cancer, and to get thorough checks.
“It was pouring down with rain as we were standing around, waiting to start. By about mile 18, I started feeling the blisters on my feet; my shoes and feet were soaked, and my knee then gave in!
“But I knew that if I stopped, I would never be able to run again. David was a massive support; he never left my side throughout the whole thing.”
It is not the first time Patrice, who is training at Bangor University to be a crisis counsellor to work with families who have suffered loss, has raised money for St David’s Hospice, either.
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Her previous fundraising efforts have seen her take part in such events as the hospice’s own “dragon boat race”, as well as an Easter run along Llandudno promenade.
After going from being able to manage 5km to 42.2km in just six months, Patrice and David are not ready to give up running marathons yet, either.
She added: “We’ve just applied to do the Abbott World Marathons – which is six marathons across in the world, in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Boston, Chicago and New York!
“I cannot put into words just how grateful we are for their (St David’s Hospice) outstanding service. The staff became as close as family to us all and will forever be in our hearts.
“From singing and dancing volunteers to dedicated, caring nurses, his final Christmas was by far our best and this was down to each and every one of them.”
You can still add to Patrice’s funds raised by visiting: stdavidshospice.enthuse.com/pf/Patrice-bowler.
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