Running for George & Tyler Hatfield.

On Sun 11th May 2025, I’ll be running the Leeds marathon in memory of my friend George Hatfield and his beautiful little nephew, Tyler Hatfield. Both were happy-go-lucky, loving and loved boys. And both were taken from this world far too soon.

George was a close family friend who I’m lucky enough to have spent many hours laughing with and putting the world to rights (whilst also discussing all things Disney and asking him what the heck all this Larping business was about). He was a passionate and talented performer training in Musical Theatre at SLP College, Leeds, where I also teach. At just 19 years old, this vibrant young man with all his hopes and dreams ahead of him, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He lived with this disease for two years - and all the while was completely committed to his Musical Theatre training. Even through the Covid-19 Pandemic and rounds of chemotherapy — if he could make it to class, either in person or online, he was there. He once said on the drive back to Leeds after treatment in London “A heart full of dreams and a body full of chemo!” - classic George humour and positivity. Eventually though, he became too ill to carry on.

George’s dream was to be an actor, and though his life was cut painfully short, his legacy lives on through The George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation, which helps financially disadvantaged students pursue their dreams in all areas of the Theatrical Arts.

Just four days before George passed away, his nephew Tyler Hatfield was born - a gorgeous little boy who brought endless joy to his parents Mikala & Harry, and to everyone who met and loved him. And Tyler just loved everyone (and chickens and Spiderman!) He was a ray of sunshine amidst the deep grief the family were suffering after the loss of George. Then, on the 10th November last year, at just three years old, Tyler tragically and unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. There was no explanation, no warning—his cause of death was ruled as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC), a devastating and little-understood condition but is the 4th leading cause of death in children aged 1-4 years old today. Tyler’s parents were left with unimaginable heartbreak and unanswered questions as their world fell apart.

I want to honour both George and Tyler, and their families by raising funds for these two causes—helping young people chase their dreams in the Theatrical Arts, and supporting research into SUDC UK, so that families affected by SUDC may have answers, and so no one else has to suffer and endure what Tyler’s parents are having to navigate their way through now.

Every penny raised will be split equally between The George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation and SUDC UK. Your support, no matter how small, will help keep George’s legacy alive and raise awareness for Tyler and all the children lost to SUDC and to fund vital & urgent research.

Thank you so much taking the time to read this and for your support. Much love x Elaine