Local fundraiser runs ‘memorial mile’ for Frome teenager

Over 80 people joined charity fundraiser Rachel Clark recently to complete her final ‘memorial mile’ in memory of a Frome teenager who died in 2019 and to raise funds for the cancer charity We Hear You (WHY).

Rachel has been running a mile a day to raise funds for Frome-based WHY since the start of this year. When she finishes the challenge on New Year’s Eve, she will have completed 366 miles (due to the leap year), four of which have also been ‘memorial miles’ to honour people who have died. 

“I have done four special memorial miles this year and they are all so unique,” explained Rachel. “We should never underestimate the power of remembering someone, even if it is just through running a mile.” 

On Sunday 13th October, over 80 people ran with Rachel in memory of Lauren Mead, a Frome College student who died five years ago. 

“This mile for Lauren was always going to be an emotional one. I never met Lauren before she passed but I can tell from the swathes of support for her family that she was definitely well loved,” says Rachel. 

 “Before she died, she was doing her A-levels at Frome College. She was fit and healthy and was a keen member of Danceworks Frome, based at the rugby club. Five years ago, she went to bed but never woke up; she passed away in her sleep. 

“Lauren had an undiagnosed heart condition that may have been found through screening. It goes without saying that Lauren had a very bright future ahead of her. I cannot comprehend what these last five years have been like for her family.” 

At this memorial run, Rachel raised £350 for WHY and says she still has a few more to go before she hits mile 366 on New Year’s Eve. 

“I am due to complete mile 300 on 26th October and I am doing a Halloween mile; then the countdown to the final mile can really begin,” says Rachel. 

Anyone can join Rachel on her runs. She explains, “As with all my miles, everyone is welcome to join in. This isn’t a running club; I’m not a runner! I’m just determined to raise vital funds for WHY so people in our community can receive the counselling that they need.”