A determined carer says she was inspired by memories of a “kind, bright and loving” teenager while completing a gruelling running challenge for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Kim Potter tackled the Southwold Half-Marathon in memory of 17-year-old Euan Morley, who had a degenerative condition and died last September.
She was cheered on by Euan’s parents, Sam and Mike, and described the 13.1-mile challenge as a “fantastic experience”.
Kim, a Learning Support Assistant from Broke Hall Primary School, in Rushmere St Andrew, first got to know Euan when he was in Year Two.
She continued to support him until Year Six, at which point his parents asked if she would consider helping them as a one-to-one carer.
In total, Kim worked with Euan for 11 years, from the age of six, shortly before his diagnosis, to the age of 17. She last saw him three days before he died.
“I have so many wonderful memories of Euan,” said Kim, from Kesgrave.
“He was such an amazing, gorgeous, happy boy, with an incredibly infectious personality.
“He was calm, kind, bright and loving, and he had such a great sense of humour. He loved a joke and we laughed a lot.
“He was a loveable, truly inspirational character whose personality always shone through. It was a pleasure to share so much time with him.
“I have so much time and respect for his parents, Sam and Mike.
“They’re amazing and so incredibly strong, in the way they dealt with Euan’s condition.
“They were so devoted and didn’t miss a beat, in terms of always doing the right things for him. They always put him first.”
Through her friendship with the Morley family, Kim, 58, heard lots about the impact EACH made.
She wanted to show her support and, in completing the half-marathon, she managed to raise £825.
“Sam could never speak highly enough of EACH,” said Kim, who has worked at Broke Hall Primary School for 22 years, working on a one-to-one basis with children with special educational needs (SEN).
“I know the care and support made such a difference, and I was fortunate enough to see it with my own eyes.
“I went along for some hydrotherapy sessions and the staff are such amazing, dedicated, kind and caring and people.
“That’s why I wanted to raise funds, and, after what happened last year, I felt I needed something to focus on, as a way of raising funds and remembering Euan.
“I’ve always been a runner, although for my own pleasure and general fitness rather than entering races or competitions.
“It turned out to be a brilliant day. The course was amazing and the weather conditions perfect.
“Sam and Mike came along to cheer me on and it was a fantastic experience.”
To show your support and add to Kim’s fundraising total, click here.
