Sally Takes On A Marathon Challenge In Memory Of Alexander

Mrs Copp ran her first marathon in aid of Dreams & Wishes, a charity that supported Christ College pupil Alexander McIlroy so well last year. She completed the course in a time of 4 hours 54 minutes.

Ahead of travelling to Edinburgh, Mrs Copp explained: “My husband, Ali, and I got to know Alexander and his family in our capacity as Houseparents here at Christ College. Alexander was due to join us in Orchard House, from Alway House, in September 2012 but he was diagnosed with cancer in the June of that year. Despite being away from school, having treatment and an operation, he was always an ‘Orchard boy’. Whenever he could, he visited his friends at school, and in the house, and we all enjoyed his company and sense of fun.”

Sadly, Alexander passed away in June 2013 after a courageous battle against his illness.

Mrs Copp continued: “Alexander was bright, witty and positive and faced difficult circumstances with courage. It was a privilege to get to know him and his family. He was supported throughout this difficult time by Dreams & Wishes who helped in many ways to make life a bit better. I want to run in his memory, and to raise money for other families who face supporting a terminally ill child. As I pound the pavements, Alexander’s brave approach to the last year of his life will inspire me to keep going!”

The Dreams & Wishes charity is dedicated to making a real difference to the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Their goal is to fulfill an ill child’s dreams, this could be through gifts, a holiday of a lifetime or giving them the chance to meet their favourite celebrity It is a charity that aims to make the lives of seriously-ill children better.

Mrs Copp has already attracted sponsorship from family and friends but she would very much appreciate your support and sponsorship for this cause. This can be done by clicking here.