Louise’s London Marathon dream to help nephew Luke
“It’s always been a dream of mine. Every year when I was a child, without fail, I used to sit on my dad’s knee and we’d watch the London Marathon together.”
Now in her forties, Louise Uttley from Monmouth, Wales is due to fulfil a childhood dream as she crosses the London Marathon off her bucket list this October
Louise secured her place in October 2019 at the second time of entering the ballot but has seen her run delayed due to COVID-19.
“It was incredibly unexpected to win a ballot place on my second time of applying, I felt really fortunate to have my opportunity so soon. It’s always been a bucket list aspiration for me. Yet with what happened next, I can’t help but feel it all happened for a reason” Louise explains.
Weeks after winning her place, Louise’s seven-year-old nephew, Luke Mortimer contracted meningococcal meningitis, which is a serious and life-threatening infection of the thin lining that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord.
It can be fatal in up to 50% of cases. During his five-month stay at Sheffield Children’s, Luke from Skipton underwent 23 operations as clinicians worked to save his life, but the condition caused him to lose both his arms and legs.
Louise explains: “Originally I am from Skipton, but we now live 180 miles away in Wales. When Luke was diagnosed in December 2019, just a few days after his birthday, I remember speaking to my brother Adam (Luke’s dad) and he said we might lose him.
“When I asked who I could support with my challenge, Adam asked if I could support Sheffield Children’s as they had done so much for Luke. I set myself a target to raise £1,000 and just as I was getting going, it all ground to a halt. COVID-19 hit, lockdown hit and my motivation honestly just went out of the window.
“It was Luke’s discharge home from Sheffield Children’s that inspired me to put my running shoes back on. If at 7-years-old, he could learn to move and do all these activities again without his arms and legs, the least I could do is start running for him again. I approached it with a whole new perspective and renewed motivation.”
Luke’s mum, Christine Mortimer, added: “Luke has made remarkable and determined progress since his discharge at the end of the April last year.
“After falling so seriously ill and spending five months in the fantastic care of Sheffield Children’s, Luke came home to a world in COVID-19 lockdown, but that didn’t stop his enthusiasm one jot. With the help of his older brother Harry, he re-learned how to sit, stand, climb, balance and walk again and then started mastering his first set of prosthetics.
“He’s now back at school and we’re still learning, getting stronger and better all the time. Luke won’t take no for an answer from anyone who tells him he can’t do it. His response, with a twinkle in his eye, is always ‘just watch me!’
“We’re so proud that Louise gained inspiration from Luke and has chosen to run the marathon in support of The Children’s Hospital Charity.”
As the seriousness of the pandemic became clear, a virtual race was planned for the 45,000 members of the public who were due to take part in the 2020 London Marathon- ‘Your Way’, was the first virtual race in the 40-year history of the event.
Louise’s updates of her progress on Facebook for the run in October also prompted a local running group, Monmouth Rock and Roll, to offer their assistance with her training and ask if she’d like to complete the marathon socially-distanced with them.
“They were incredible. People dropped in and out if they didn’t want to run the entire distance and others came out to cheer us along the route. From about half an hour in, we were completely soaked by the weather, but it was an amazing experience.”
Louise managed to raise an incredible more than £4,000 for Sheffield Children’s in honour of Luke and is now due to take part in the rearranged London Marathon in October.
To take on an event this year for The Children’s Hospital Charity, click here!