After two decades of participating in marathons and raising funds for children’s charity, Laura Eccles continues to pursue her passion while living with Alzheimer’s.
Laura Eccles, a resident at Bridge House Care Home based in Brighouse West Yorkshire proved that age is just a number last weekend. The 85-year-old stole the show at the Colour Run, whizzing through the course in her decorated wheelchair!
Laura has been a keen marathon runner from the age of 39 when she joined the Halifax Lady Runners, she has an array of medals proudly displayed in her bedroom from across the globe including; The New York Road Runners Club where she ran 26 miles in 1991, the New Zealand Millennium Marathon in 2000 as well as many local medals.
During her 30 years of running, for ever marathon she ran, Laura raised money for Linden Brook respite home for children with special needs. Laura even raised enough money for a mini bus for the children.
After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, Laura sadly had to give up her love of running due to the impact on her mobility and eventually moved into Bridge House Care Home.
With the help of Yvette Oreschinck, Nurse at Bridge House Care Home, Laura was not only able to attend her first marathon in many years, but she was also able to complete it in her wheelchair with her family by her side.
Yvette had the idea when she was looking through Laura’s medals, The Colour Run marathon was approaching for the Forget Me Not charity, a charity that supports families and children across West Yorkshire, a cause that Yvette knew would be close to Laura’s heart.
Laura’s participation wasn’t just about personal achievement. She also raised over £500 for the Forget Me Not charity.
Mark Eccles, Laura’s Son say’s “Yvette is a bit of an angel, she’s made such a big difference to my Mum’s life, I’ll never forget what she’s done for her. The day went brilliantly, I asked Mum if this brought back the memories and she said yes with a big smile.”
John Eccles, Laura’s Son say’s “The way Yvette has co-ordinated everything has been nothing short of amazing, she saw Mum’s medals in her bedroom and contacted me with the idea that would bring back happy memories. We will remember this day for a long time
“Laura is an inspiration to us all,” said Trish Lavery, Manager at Bridge House Care Home. “She shows that getting older and having Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean giving up on your passions.
We’re so proud of her for taking on the colour run and raising money for such a worthy cause.”
The Forget Me Not Charity has invited Laura to the hospice for Afternoon tea as a thank you for her amazing commitment to raising funds and awareness for the charity.