A teenager from Lincoln will embark on a marathon run to raise money for a charity set up after her childhood best friend died of cancer.
Jamie Elsom lost his life on April 22, 2019 after a battle with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of cancer, at just 12-years-old.
It started when Jamie had a fall playing football as a 10-year-old, which initially looked fine but eventually developed into finding a tumour on his tibia.
Jamie Elsom devastatingly lost his battle with cancer at just 12-years-old. | Photo: Lynsay Mountain
After two years of tireless battles and endless treatment, Jamie tragically died in hospital, “leaving a gap which will never be filled”, according to his mum Donna Elsom.
One of Jamie’s best friends, Laurel-Ashleigh Mountain, 14, from Great Hale near Sleaford, is currently fundraising for Jamie-Forever12, a charity set up in his memory.
Laurel will be running the equivalent of a marathon on Saturday, June 5 in memory of her friend, and has raised £590 by the time of publication.
The charity gives gifts to children with cancer, life limiting conditions or that are terminally ill.
Laurel’s mum Lynsay Mountain explained just how strong her daughter’s bond with Jamie was.
She told The Lincolnite: “They had been friends since preschool, becoming closer and closer as they grew up. They even called themselves brother and sister.
“Jamie and Laurel confided in each other and chatted every day, hanging out in the village when Jamie was well enough.
“When Jamie passed away, Laurel said it was like her heart had been shattered into a million pieces, it affected her both mentally and physically. It was awful.”
Laurel has been training hard to make Jamie proud. | Photo: George Holman-Brown
Laurel has suffered a lot with anxieties and insecurities since Jamie’s death, but she hopes this running challenge will be just the motivation she needs.
“Running the equivalent of a marathon will be a challenge, I’m a bit nervous but I know Jamie will be with me and be proud that I am stepping out of my comfort zone.
“For Jamie I would do anything. He’s my brother and I’ll miss him every single day of my life.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.