“HE NEVER COMPLETED HIS CHALLENGE – SO WE’RE PICKING UP THE TORCH HE LIT SO BRIGHTLY” – BEC’S STORY
Following the sudden passing of her friend, Bec Horrocks, from Bury, will take on the Manchester Half to support Alzheimer’s Society.
Bec, from Bury, is training hard for her first half marathon in October.
25-year-old Harrison, from Hartlepool, was training for a half marathon when he passed away. He was raising funds for the dementia charity which supported his mum.
Bec told us about Harrison’s story, as well as her emotions before event day. Read her words below.
Words by Bec Horrocks.
Hi, my name is Bec, I’m from Bury in Greater Manchester, and I graduated from the University of Leeds in 2022.
My reason for taking on the Manchester Half this year is a personal one. In February this year, my friend Harrison sadly passed away after he was hit by a car while out for a run in Hartlepool. He was training for a half marathon, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society in honour of his mum who was suffering with the disease.
Bec will take on the event following the sudden passing of her friend, Harrison, in February.
Harrison had just started university in 2018 when his mum, Cheryl, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It was a very difficult time for the family, as Cheryl had to leave her job and requires full time care today. Despite the demands of university life, Harrison always found a way to put his mum and family first. After graduating in 2022, he moved home to the North East to better support his family. He was brilliant and kept his mum smiling while looking for a graduate job.
Harrison with his family at his graduation. His sister Chloe has worked directly with Alzheimer’s Society.
Harrison was the light in every room and the laughter in every conversation. He was truly the most caring person, raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society to support their brilliant work for those suffering from the disease and their family members.
In April this year, I watched my close friend Jamie do the adidas Manchester Marathon. The atmosphere was so inspiring, and I knew I wanted to set myself a challenge – to make Harrison proud. I entered the Manchester Half with Jamie, and we’ll be taking part in remembrance of our friend – to pick up the torch he lit so brightly for his mum.
Harrison’s friends have rallied together following the passing of their friend.
Training is underway and on hard days I remind myself that I am raising awareness and funding for an incredible charity to support so many. I’ve supported from the sidelines at plenty of events in the past, so this is my moment to push myself out of my comfort zone and make a difference!
The event day will be a rollercoaster of emotions, and I am grateful to not be running alone. Even before his passing, Harrison’s dedication inspired many others to run for Alzheimer’s Society and related causes. Two of his cousins have fundraiser challenges for Alzheimer’s, and his older sister Chloe worked directly for Alzheimer’s Society from 2022 to 2023.
25-year-old Harrison, second from the left, was training for a half marathon when he passed away.
Please support Harrison’s legacy and support Alzheimer’s Society by donating to my JustGiving page today.
Thank you Bec, and good luck to you and Jamie in October.