Alex Ruddy’s family and friends were left heartbroken when the young Markethill man passed away last autumn following a brave battle with cancer.
He was just 20-years-old.
What began as a fractured leg while playing airsoft led to the discovery of a tumour in his femur and a diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Alex underwent eight months of chemotherapy and was, at one point, given the all-clear. Tragically, the cancer later returned, and he passed away in September.
During his illness, Alex and his family received incredible care and support from the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital and Amy’s House, provided by Young Lives vs Cancer. The Cancer Centre guided Alex throughout his treatment, while Amy’s House allowed his family to stay close by his side during those difficult months.
Now, in honour of Alex’s memory, family friend Kristin Jameson is preparing to run the Belfast Marathon on Sunday, May 3, to raise vital funds for both organisations.
With the blessing of Alex’s parents, Keith and Gillian, she has set up a JustGiving page to support the effort.
“I’m privileged to be running this marathon in Alex’s memory and to help raise funds for the two organisations that supported him and his family when they needed it most,” Kristin told Armagh I.
“Alex was such a lovely young man. He was only 20, with his whole life ahead of him. He was incredibly brave and fought his battle with such strength.
“When Alex was young, we lived just around the corner from his family in Markethill, and I remember watching him and his siblings walking to and from school. He would always give a big wave and a wee cheeky grin. Later, when he worked in Hunter’s, he never passed without saying hello and having a chat. It is just devastating for Alex to be taken so young.”
Kristin Jameson
Having recently taken up running, Kristin had already been training for a half-marathon, and Alex was never far from her thoughts.
“Last year, when Alex was very unwell, I was training for a half-marathon and I was always thinking of him when I was out running. I knew I would already be training for a half-marathon in March, and I just thought I would keep going and aim for the marathon and hopefully raise some money for some of the charities that supported the Ruddy family,” she explained.
“It’s going to be a big challenge but it will be worth it to give back to these amazing organisations.”
A JustGiving page has been set up for anyone wishing to support Kristin’s fundraising efforts.
Kristin says she has been overwhelmed by the generosity and support shown so far and has already raised £2,110 — a testament to how loved and respected Alex was within his community.
“I am absolutely blown away by the support for the fundraising already, but I am not surprised, as I know how loved and well thought of Alex was. He touched many lives in his 20 years, and he is sorely missed,” she said.
“I have had to adjust the fundraising target twice as we reached the original target of £1,000 in just a few days.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me so far and I would urge everyone to donate whatever they can to help raise as much as possible for Amy’s House and The Cancer Centre in Belfast City Hospital.
“I know both organisations have helped so many families in the local community and fundraising is vital to ensuring the services are available should they ever be needed by yourself or a loved one.”
To support Kristin’s Belfast Marathon fundraiser, donations can be made via her JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kristin-jameson
