A Grandfather’s Tribute: Marathon Runner Upholds Grandson’s Legacy through Charity Races
Phill Thompson, a resilient 73-year-old from Buckie, is on a mission that transcends the finish line. His journey began with immense heartbreak – the loss of his newborn grandson, Harris, just seven days after his birth in 2016. In the face of this tragedy, Phill was determined to turn grief into action. Alongside Harris’s parents, Rhiannon and Kev McDonald, the seed of an inspiring initiative was planted – Harris’s Heroes.
The Birth of Harris’s Heroes: A Legacy of Love and Resilience
Harris’s short life was marked by profound challenges, including leukemia, hydrops, and Down’s Syndrome. Yet, despite his struggles, Harris fought with a strength that left an indelible mark on all who met him. Following Harris’s passing, Rhiannon envisioned Harris’s Heroes as a way to honor his memory. T-shirts emblazoned with Harris’s image and the poignant words, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” became a symbol of hope and remembrance for the family.
A Family United in Grief and Love: Running for a Cause
In a poignant display of unity, the McDonald-Thompson clan donned Harris’s Heroes shirts for the Aberdeen Half Marathon, marking the anniversary of Harris’s passing. However, it was during the London Marathon of 2023 that Phill decided to take his tribute to a new level. With the blessing of Rhiannon, Phill adorned his marathon vest with the names of babies who had left this world too soon, alongside those of his own grandchildren.
Every Step a Memory: The London Marathon of 2023
As Phill pounded the pavement of the London Marathon, a host of angelic names adorned his back, each one a poignant reminder of lives cut short. In a touching display of solidarity, he carried these names in his heart, moving from one baby to another with each mile. The final stretch of the race became a symbol of shared strength and unwavering love, as Phill felt the presence of Harris and the other babies propelling him towards the finish line.
A Solemn Promise: Running Towards Hope and Healing
With the Moray Marathon on the horizon, Phill is gearing up to continue his mission of remembrance and support. As he laces up his shoes and dons his odd socks – a nod to his connection with Down’s Syndrome – Phill embarks on each race as an adventure with Harris by his side. Through his fundraising efforts for Moray Sands, Phill not only raises crucial funds but also keeps alive the memory of babies who left this world too soon.
Sands: A Beacon of Support for Bereaved Families
Founded in 1978 by grieving parents seeking solace and understanding, Sands has been a pillar of strength for families grappling with the loss of a baby. Through their advocacy and support, Sands has shone a light on the often-overlooked pain of baby loss and offered a lifeline to countless parents in need. By donating to Phill’s fundraiser for Sands and Harris’s Heroes, you too can be a part of this legacy of love and remembrance.
In every stride and every heartbeat, Phill Thompson carries the hopes, dreams, and memories of those who are no longer with us. His journey is not just about crossing the finish line; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and remembrance. Join him on this extraordinary marathon of the heart and help keep the flame of Harris’s legacy burning bright.
