In a heartwarming yet heart-wrenching tribute, dad Cameron Lewis honoured his late daughter, Eden, by running the Cardiff Half Marathon just hours after her funeral. Eden, a vibrant 19-year-old from Blackwood, fought bravely for five years against osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. She passed away peacefully in her mother’s arms in September at St David’s Hospice.
Cameron, 42, shared that the emotional impact of her absence hit him “like a brick wall” after completing the run, a symbol of her being with him every step of the way. Eden was a lover of animals with dreams of becoming a zookeeper. Despite the immense pain and loss, Cameron finds solace in knowing she’s no longer suffering.
Running in Eden’s memory wasn’t just a physical challenge but an emotional journey too. “I thought she’d be there at the finish line,” he said, reflecting on the moment he broke down in tears post-race. His shirt bore the words “Running for Eden” alongside her dates, and carried a personal message: “Love you pancake.”
Tess, Eden’s mum, signed Cameron up for the run, seeing it as an essential focus and outlet for him. With support from Dreams and Wishes charity, which had been a pillar during Eden’s illness, the family navigated many challenges together. This charity not only provided material support, like creating a peaceful garden studio for Eden, but also emotional aid, orchestrating their last Christmas together.
Eden’s siblings, Logan and Faora, continue to adjust, with the family leaning on each other for support. Cameron is deeply grateful for Tess’s support in steering him towards running and for Dreams and Wishes for their unwavering support during tough times. Though Eden’s dreams of working with big cats at the Kent sanctuary won’t come to fruition, her spirit runs on through her family’s unwavering love and commitments.