"OUR lives will never be the same again, however we might help someone else."
Those are the heart-wrenching words of a woman who lost her sister to a stroke.
Lisa Allen, from Keighley, a single mum to two children, was just 38 when she died in August 2022.
Her sister, Gemma Sayer, 44, from Eastburn and a midwife at Airedale Hospital, said: "Lisa had a significant stroke from which she never regained consciousness.
"She was my baby sister and her death ripped our hearts apart. Her loss has left a massive hole in our lives.
"Since Lisa died I have taken on her two children, which I had always promised to do should any situation arise.
"To support others makes me feel that I’m helping, so – for a second year – I have got into the London Marathon to run on behalf of the Stroke Association.
"I don’t want anyone else to feel the heartache I felt when Lisa died, but if I can help others by raising funds then I will.
"Our lives will never be the same again, however, we might help someone else."
You can visit Gemma's fundraising page by clicking here.
A fun day is also being staged at Steeton Hall Hotel on Saturday, March 9.
The fun day, from 10am to 4.30pm, will feature a wide range of attractions.
Activities will include games, crafts, stalls, Creature Connections, an Easter egg hunt and raffle.
Members of 3rd Keighley (Steeton & Silsden) Scouts will be helping out as part of their fundraising activity badge.
Gemma said: "In addition to the Stroke Association, the fun day will also be supporting other charities.
"They include the Institute of Cancer Research – whom Amanda Illingworth, a fellow midwife, is running the London Marathon on behalf of – plus Whizz Kids, for which Ross Elliott is taking part in the marathon. There will also be a stall to raise funds for Manorlands hospice.
"Everyone is welcome.
"We'd like to thank Steeton Hall Hotel for kindly supporting us with the event."
The Stroke Association provides a range of practical and emotional support, information, and advice to help people affected by stroke.
It also funds research into the improvement of treatments, care and rehabilitation.
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