We are a group of 23 children, aged 13-25, living in the local area of Horsley, Ockham and Clandon, who have got together to run a half marathon in memory of Jocelyn Smyth. We are the children of close friends of Jocelyn’s family, who want to raise money for her cause, as this is one small way in which we can help to keep her memory alive and help others at the same time.

We have all spent many hours at each other’s houses, having dinners, playing games, watching television together and going on some brilliant holidays. Jocelyn was a big part of this close-knit group of friends and much loved by us all. Her sudden passing away has hit us all in so many ways and left a hole in our lives.

So we have chosen a route to run a half marathon, which will pass by all the families’ houses, as we have so many memories of Jocelyn in each home. Jocelyn was funny, kind, always smiling and laughing, always had a story to tell, looked after us all at one time or another and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Her memory will live with us all and this is just one way of keeping it alive.

Jocelyn died on 17th May from a fatal brain bleed, this was a rare but possible complication of the condition she suffered from, called Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Although Jocelyn was diagnosed with this condition when she was 18, she was able to live a very full life, even though her ‘normal’ platelet count was typically 5% of what is considered to the normal range. Her symptoms included bleeding into the skin causing bruising and pinpoint red spots. ITP is a blood disorder where the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for blood clotting. There is no real cure but a number of reactive treatments as well as newer preventative drugs. Unfortunately, none of these worked for Jocelyn.

Jocelyn, you will always be in our hearts and we will always remember you and your lovely, bubbly self.

Sam, Oliver, Beth, Izzy, Harry, Chessie, Isabella, Bella, Joe, Caitlin, Annabelle, Olivia, Yasmin, JP, Leo, Ben, Catrin, Adam, Nicole and Emily. Together with: Murray, Ross and Ellie Smyth