A mother-of-two has died following a medical episode at Lydiard Park on Saturday morning.
Tracie McGrory collapsed just 400 metres into Swindon Parkrun and despite runners, volunteers, park wardens and police officers all racing to help her before an ambulance arrived, she later passed away at Great Western Hospital surrounded by her husband and teenage daughters.
A spokesperson for Swindon Parkrun said: “It is with great sadness we have to inform you all that Swindon parkrunner, Tracie McGrory, passed away on Saturday morning.
“Many of you at Swindon parkrun that day will know that a lady collapsed only 400 metres from the start line. She was immediately attended to by the parkrun community, volunteers, Lydiard Park Wardens, police officers and medical professionals as well as paramedics but sadly never recovered.
“Tracie passed away shortly after arriving at the Great Western Hospital surrounded by her husband and their two teenage daughters.
“Our thoughts are with Tracie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“We would like to thank each and every one of you for your support on Saturday morning. Many medically trained parkrunners stopped to help Tracie and other volunteers helped to divert the course so that the run could continue safely. Lydiard Park staff ensured that everyone at the scene received hot drinks, care and attention afterwards in the warmth of the Park Wardens Office. We can’t thank you enough.
“Tracie’s husband, Bryan, would also like to thank everyone who tried to help her and has been touched by the support she was given on Saturday. He has said that she passed away doing something that she loved.
“We will be holding a minutes silence in memory of Tracie this Saturday at Swindon parkrun.”