When widowed mum Katie Wallace took on the Great North Run in memory of her husband, she was spurred on by an extra special supporter – Sir Elton John.
The musician was a friend of Duncan Wallace, a radio producer who worked on his hit Apple Music show Rocket Hour.
When Duncan was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour two years ago, Sir Elton checked in regularly with his pal.
The star has carried on calling Katie since Duncan’s death in April, aged 39.
He told her: “We had the most wonderful relationship. Every night in my prayers to God, I say, ‘Give him a hug from me, will you?’.”
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Katie, 39, said: “Throughout this horrible ordeal, Elton has been beyond thoughtful and kind, regularly calling to see how we’re coping. He’s such a lovely man.
“We just hope his support along with all the other well-wishers will make a difference, and save lives.”
Katie, from North Yorks, completed the 13-mile charity race last Sunday with relatives to raise £21,000 for charity – including a contribution from Elton.
She and Newcastle-born Duncan ran it together when he was having treatment to buy more time with their two children Finn, seven, and Izzy, five. They raised £22,000 for Brain Tumour Research.
Paying tribute to Duncan, Elton, 74, said: “We had a blast working together. He’d turn me on to stuff and I’d turn him on to stuff. We were a great team and he is sorely missed.”
- To sponsor Katie, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/katie-wallace9
