April 15, 2021 5.06 pm This story is over 50 months old

Lincoln schoolgirl, 14, running a marathon for charity after death of best friend

“For Jamie I would do anything. He’s my brother and I’ll miss him every single day of my life.”
Laurel-Ashleigh Mountain will be running the equivalent of a marathon in memory of her friend Jamie. | Photo: George Holman-Brown
By Local Democracy Reporter

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.”