Last Monday one our members, Helen Fraser sadly passed away after a short stay in St Ann's Hospice. Helen was a truly inspiring person, always on hand to encourage fellow athletes both senior and junior, someone who always had time for others.
Helen was a club member since 2010 and a team member in Maureen’s intermediate group. Helen was one of the most unassuming people you could meet. During her time at Stockport Harriers she ran 10 marathons (PB 3:40 as a W50) and 14 half-marathons (PB 1:39 as a W50) as well as many trail & road races and she was a member of the Stockport ladies cross-country team. She loved parkrun and had notched up 216 runs mostly at Woodbank.
Despite her illness Helen carried on doing what she loved, running, and if she wasn't able to run she was there with husband Don, cheering everyone else on or marshalling. Helen competed in her last race on March 5th running the High Leigh 10k in shocking weather conditions but apparently, and typically, she didn't complain once, a perfect example of the inspirational person she was.
Helen always had a smile on her face, a smile which could light up a room, and she always had time to chat, she was such a thoughtful person and she's touched the lives of so many and will be sorely missed.
On behalf for Stockport Harries and all her running friends we send our best wishes to Don and the rest of Helen's family at this very sad time.
Dons family have decided for family flowers only. He has also set up a personalised page where you can donate to Maggie's, the charity Helen planned to run the London Marathon for.