An identical twin lost her sister just a week after she developed a cough and had breathing difficulties.
Chloe and Courtney Franklin were best friends until they were separated by an unspeakable tragedy two-and-a-half years ago. When Chloe developed a cough and began struggling to breathe in February 2020, she went to her GP just to be on the safe side.
Following the check-up she was referred straight to University Hospital Llandough, on the outskirts of Cardiff, for more tests and given a course of antibiotics. Just 24 hours later the 21-year-old woman found herself in intensive care at the University Hospital of Wales when her condition failed to improve, and three days later was placed in an induced coma, WalesOnline reports.
"She had a severe infection in her lungs and the doctors said the induced coma would give her lungs a break and allow her to heal," recalled twin sister Courtney. "As the week progressed, they thought it was working and started to bring her off sedation.
"Unfortunately, she then developed sepsis and later had a massive stroke, which was so severe that the neurosurgeons could not operate. We were told she was brain dead and there was nothing more they could do. This all happened in just a week."
Courtney, 23, from Llandaff North, Cardiff, said Chloe was due to start a new job as a receptionist but really wanted to be a children's nurse. "In fact, she has inspired me to train [to be a nurse] and I start university in September," she added.
"We were joined at the hip and did everything together. She was my best friend and the one person I never imagined not being here. Every summer, when we were kids, we'd go on PGL holidays together and made so many memories on brilliant adventures.
"It's hard to accept she isn't here anymore. Unless you have a twin – and we were identical – it's hard to understand that friendship. It's a bond like no other. She was the same as me – we had the same hobbies, we looked the same. To lose that after 21 years is a very lonely thing to go through."
During lockdown, after Chloe had died, Courtney said she drove her energies into running. "I ran a 100K in less than three weeks and I wanted more of a challenge so I signed up to the Cardiff Half. I have injured my knee during training but I'll crawl it if I have to," she added.
Courtney has now signed up for the Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon and will have only one person on her mind at the start line - her sister. She is running in aid of the bereavement charity 2Wish which provides support for those affected by the sudden death of a young person.
"They really helped us with the loss of my sister. They created memory boxes for each of us - my mum and dad, my younger brother and me. Inside, they had put an elephant, a lock of her hair, a print of her hand, a trace of her heartbeat, a candle and a poem," Courtney explained.
"It was such a thoughtful touch at the worst time of our lives. It was incredibly special – everything was so delicate and heavenly. I'm running for 2wish so that other families receive the support we did."
The Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon is on track to generate its 20 millionth pound in fundraising at the 19th edition of the event this year. Race organisers are urging the public to get behind the event to help it reach this incredible milestone. Over £3m is raised each year via partnerships with over 90 charities.
It will be the second time the Cardiff Half has descended on the Welsh capital in 2022, after the postponed 2020 race took place in March. And it will be the first time it has been held on its traditional autumn date in three years following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The race sold out earlier this summer, just three and half months after entries went on sale. Entries are still available however via official charities until the registration deadline on Friday, September 2.
A record number of runners from outside Wales (both across the UK and overseas) are registered to take part this year. To celebrate, organisers will be using the event as a platform to celebrate Wales; showcasing everything that is so special and distinct about Cymru and to offer visitors a warm Welsh Welcome.
Adding to the event’s international appeal, it is now a part of the SuperHalfs – an international half marathon series including races in Lisbon, Prague, Valencia, Copenhagen and Cardiff. It challenges runners to complete the five race circuit in 36 months in order to earn a ‘SuperMedal’ and other exclusive prizes. You can donate to Courtney’s JustGiving page at https://gofund.me/a26d5cb9
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