THE self-serving tabloid drive to own Claire Squires, the woman who died during the London Marathon, can now be put to bed. Claire Squires’ sister Maxine Holmes says the runner was not making a “sacrifice” (Daily Mirror), looking to create a “legacy of love” (Daily Mail) nor to “make it a million” and make us proud (The Sun). Was she “inspirational“, as this site says?

Claire Squire was… Well, no need to guess and speculate and read her mind. Let’s hear from her sister, someone who actually knew her:

 “She was running it for herself as she had won a place to compete in the ballot. Then she decided at the last moment, just 10 days before it, to get sponsorship and urged people to help. That is typical Claire, she wanted to do something to help others.”

Claire Squires has helped others. It is tragic that she died. It’s is tragic that her family and loved ones should suffer such a shock and loss. But she did not set out to die. She just wanted a great day out. And if she earned some money for other people to make their lives better, all to the good. It’s not her extraordinariness that has triggered such a splurge of giving. It is her ordinariness and caring that has sparked other ordinary people to show that they too care.

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