A 19-year-old student has raised £4,500 for the children's hospice that cared for her brother at the end of his life by running the Manchester Marathon. Jasmine Shaw, from Grimsargh, Preston, completed the 26.2-mile course alongside more than 40,000 participants in what is the fourth most popular marathon in Europe.
A Tribute to Her Brother
Jasmine's brother, Joel, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, at just 10 years old. He spent his final days at Derian House in Chorley, surrounded by his family, and passed away at the age of 11 in 2020. Despite describing herself as "not really a runner," Jasmine took on the challenge to thank the hospice for its support.
Emotional Marathon Day
Speaking about the experience, Jasmine said: "It was the most amazing day. My dad Dave, his partner Andrea, my brother Jake and his girlfriend, and my step-sister Lauren and her boyfriend were dotted around the course, cheering me on - it really kept me going. The marathon was really emotional. As I ran past Manchester Royal, which is where Joel had his treatment, I was in tears. I reached the finish line and my family were all there waiting for me - screaming my name and holding up a big sign. It was an incredible feeling. We all went straight to the pub afterwards to celebrate."
A Double Loss
Joel lost his battle with cancer on the same date that his mother, Julie, had died in an accident six years earlier. Jasmine added: "You don't think these things will ever happen to you, and then they do. I find some comfort in knowing that my mum and Joel are together, and that she is taking care of him. When Joel passed away, Derian House were there for us when we needed it, and I want to make sure that the hospice is there for other families when they need it too."
Grateful for Hospice Care
Jasmine recalled the care her family received: "It was at Derian that my brother Joel was able to spend his last couple of weeks surrounded by us - myself, our older brother Jake, our dad Dave, his partner Andrea and her daughter Lauren. We had a room to stay in at the hospice so that we could be with Joel 24/7. Derian House made our meals and looked after us so we could concentrate on spending time with him. We were able to make memories in the sensory room, cinema room and ball pool, whilst being reassured he was receiving the care he needed. When Joel passed away, our hearts were broken. We'll be forever grateful to Derian House for giving us those last couple of weeks to make the best of the time we had left with him."
A Challenge for a Cause
Despite not being a natural runner, Jasmine was determined to complete the marathon. "Those who know me will know that I'm not really a runner, so 26.2 miles was definitely a big challenge for me. But I was determined to make Joel proud and raise as much money as possible for the wonderful Derian House. Thank you so much to everyone who donated." Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/page/jasmine-shaw-2.
Hospice's Gratitude
Kerry Salmon, community fundraiser at Derian House, praised Jasmine's efforts: "All the dedication and determination Jasmine has shown in training for the marathon is incredible. We think she's amazing - not just for reaching the finish line, but for helping shine a light on how vital hospice care is for families like hers. Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6 million to run the hospice this year. The charity only receives around 30% of government funding, meaning it relies on kind-hearted supporters - just like Jasmine - to raise 70p in every £1."
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West, helping them to make the most of every moment. For more information, visit www.derianhouse.co.uk.
