The Race for Life gave me hope following the death of my mother

Jul 8 2009 by Samantha Parker, Heswall News

THE first time I did the Race for Life was June 19, 2005.

Why does the date stick so vividly in my mind? Well, it was the day before my mum’s funeral.

I hoped when I booked my slot for the race she would be able to watch me. Sadly that wasn’t to be and she died on June 10 from a chest infection after suffering from lung cancer.

To say I was devastated would be an understatement.

She was my best friend. But that first Race for Life helped. I knew I wasn’t alone in losing a loved one and it gave me a lot of hope.

As you can see in the picture I ran the race as a bride.

It is less than nine weeks until I tie the knot.

I ran for “The Mother of the Bride” and kept her in my thoughts as I jogged around the course.

My mum would have loved to have seen me get married. I have organised the wedding on my own and missed her every step of the way.

I so wish she had met Richard.

Her last wish for me was that I was happy. Engraved on a bracelet she has left for me to wear to my wedding is “Always be happy”. And I am.

Follow Samantha’s wedding plans at downtheaisle.merseyblogs