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A Day to Remember – In Loving Memory of Skye Sutcliffe

Jordan Kelly

Over two hundred people gathered in Middleton Park this Valentine’s Day for a charity fun run.

 

The family of Skye Sutcliffe, who sadly lost her battle with Leukaemia in December last year, organised the charity event for the second year running.

 

Amelia Sockett, 45, Skye’s Grandmother said:

 

I was deeply touched by the turn out – so many people came together as a strong bonded community, just for Skye

 

It was a beautiful sight and we managed to raise approximately £3500 whilst everyone had fun

 

The money raised will go to charities Candlelighters and Delete Blood Cancer, which supported Skye in her brave battle with illness.

 

Skye was diagnosed with acute Lymphoblastic and Myeloid Leukaemia, two rare forms of the diseases, at 20 weeks old.

 

Amelia Sockett said:

 

Without charities like Delete Blood Cancer who promote bone marrow transplant, we would’ve lost Skye in a matter of weeks if not months. The transplant she got gave us 2 more years with Skye

 

A memorial bench was also unveiled in a sunny Middleton Park, after Skye’s family raised £1000 to make it possible.

 

Kim Groves, Local Councillor in Middleton, who came along to unveil the bench said:

 

The generosity of everyone has been amazing. Whenever there is a good cause to support in Leeds, people always turn up as they have today

 

The bench unveiling was followed by a balloon release, which filled the sky with red just before the fun run got underway. Following the run a raffle took place with prizes worth up to £150, donated from shops from the White Rose Shopping centre.

 

Fancy dress was encouraged and appearances from Peppa Pig, Kung Fu Panda and others made this run around Middleton Park one of a kind.

 

As well as some kids favourite cartoon characters, many from Leeds huge running community came to show their support and help make the day the huge occasion that it was.

 

Amelia Sockett has said that she hopes the fundraiser can become a yearly event, focused on keeping Skye’s memory alive and raising money for charity.

 

Amelia added:

 

It was bittersweet but overall a good positive out of a very negative ending to Skye’s Battle