Shropshire mum's Berlin Marathon run pays tribute to Erin
Inspirational mum Joanne Jackson raised thousands of pounds for charity when she ran the Berlin Marathon in memory of her daughter, Erin – on what should have been her 18th birthday.
Erin, who had epilepsy, died months after her second birthday after suffering a seizure during the night.
Her mum, a member of the Market Drayton Running Club, said she had only completed 5k runs when she saw an advert for the marathon and realised the date – September 28.
Overwhelmed
"The Berlin Marathon was on the actual day of Erin's 18th birthday," she said. "I couldn't believe it. I was really overwhelmed to begin with.
"But it was just meant to be.
"Everyone kept saying I had to do it. The race had pretty much found me.
"I just knew I needed to run it for her."
Whilst Mrs Jackson has raised money for epilepsy charities before, it has been through sponsored walks and smaller events – never on such a large scale.
The 42-year-old mum of four boys, aged 22 to five, had to raise £800 for the Epilepsy Society to take part in the race.
But thanks to friends and family she has more than doubled that amount.
"I've raised more than £2,000 now," said Mrs Jackson, who is married to Geoff and works an environmental services officer with Telford and Wrekin Council.
She finished the Berlin Marathon in five hours, 35minutes.
"The support has just been overwhelming, it's been fantastic," she added.
"And the race was absolutely amazing. It was like one big party. There was live music and people shouting and cheering us on, it was great."
Mrs Jackson is now looking at running the London marathon – again for the Epilepsy Society to thank it for the help it gave the family after Erin's diagnosis.
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/prettysunshine
