The memory of a much-loved three year old boy spurred two healthcare workers to take part in the Great North Run. 

Lucy Lowe, senior sister at Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ emergency department,  and healthcare assistant, Claire Walker, ran in memory of Claire's son Axl.

Axl, who suffered from a rare blood disorder known as congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia (CDA), sadly passed away just before his third birthday in 2018.

CDA is caused by a decrease in the number of blood cells in the body and a less than normal quantity of haemoglobin in the blood.

After two failed bone marrow transplants, Axl sadly passed away at Leeds General Infirmary on March 7, 2018.

Running turned into a way of coping for mum Claire with 2023 marking her second Great North Run (GNR).

The pair are hoping to raise a further £1,000 towards the Bradford Hospitals’ Children’s Charity ‘Sparkle for Axl’ campaign. 

The campaign will support child patients through the purchase of entertainment, learning, sensory and distraction toys.

Claire said: “Every time I run a big race – I’ve three more half marathons booked for next year - there is always someone special and dear on my mind – my son Axl.

“I will carry on running and raising money for Bradford Hospitals Charity as we received wonderful care and support from the children’s wards when Axl was sick.

“I now work for the Trust as it’s my way of giving something back to the NHS and it makes me feel positive and like I am still doing something connected to Axl. Whenever I take part in the GNR, I will be doing it with him in mind.”

Claire completed her first GNR while caring for Axl.

The 13.1 mile route between Newcastle and South Shields - the world’s largest half marathon - takes place on September 10. 

“It has been my saviour going for a run,” said Claire.

Sparkle for Axl takes place every Christmas and sees the community make donations instead of toys so staff can buy the toys and equipment needed within the children’s wards.

For their training, the duo ran three times a week. 

They have also taken part in 10K races while Claire completed the London Marathon for the first time in 2022.

Lucy said: “Claire is an amazing runner and I am incredibly honoured to be running for Sparkle for Axl.”

People can donate to Lucy and Claire’s Justgiving page by visiting bit.ly/runforAxl