Emma Cook runs London Marathon to remember Amy Varley
When Emma Cook lined up for the London Marathon on Sunday morning, she had one person on her mind.
Her best childhood friend Amy Varley was 23 when she died, leaving her one-year-old daughter behind.
Emma, who's from Newtown, said Amy, or Sheila as she was known, was the "life and soul of every party" with her humour, pranks, smile and wicked laugh filling every room.
By taking on the huge challenge of running the London Marathon, Emma wanted to keep Amy's memory alive and create something special by raising money for Rekindle, a charity based in Newtown that supports the mental health of local young people aged 16 to 25.
She never imagined herself running a marathon but found the strength to tackle the 26.2-mile course after losing Amy to suicide in 2015.
READ MORE | Two Powys mums tackle London Marathon for their amazing causes
"I couldn't help or save Amy so if I can help at least one person by raising money for this charity, I would be very happy," Emma said.
"There is a very big Amy shaped hole in me and all those who knew and loved her, and being the 10-year anniversary of her death, this year makes it even more special."
She added: 'Running a marathon was something I always avoided — it never even crossed my mind. But when I heard about Rekindle's charity places, something just clicked.
'Amy was the life and soul of every room, but I knew she was struggling. If she had been able to access the right support, maybe she'd still be here.'
Despite the scorching heat, knee pain, and sheer exhaustion, Emma powered through, encouraged by cheering crowds, family and friends, and the memory of Amy.
READ MORE | Dad and best friends raise £1,000 in memory of much-loved Newtown young mum Amy
Along the way, she spotted Amy's dad Joe and her own son, Ioan, giving her the emotional lift she needed to keep going.
'I had to walk parts of it, but I walked with purpose. I knew why I was doing it. I ran for Amy, and for every young person who thinks they're not enough. You are.'
Emma's run has already raised vital awareness for Rekindle, a Newtown-based charity offering free counselling and support for young people in crisis in Mid Wales and the Shropshire borders.
The charity is close to Emma's heart and continues to support young people across the region.
'Mental health doesn't always look how you expect. It can wear a smile. That's why we need organisations like Rekindle.'
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