### Runner Honours Late Best Friend with Marathon Tribute for Her Children
The memory of Chloe Doggett, a much-loved mother of two whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating house fire, is being kept alive through the determined efforts of her childhood friend Jasmine Teague. Jasmine, aged 32, is set to take on the Manchester Marathon in honour of Chloe, reflecting both the powerful bond they shared and a heartfelt wish to support Chloe’s young children in the wake of their unimaginable loss.
Chloe Doggett was only 28 when she lost her life three days after being pulled from a house blaze in Tonypandy in 2021. According to the inquest, the fire started when a child playing in a bedroom sparked flames with a lighter, setting a toy alight before the fire spread through the house. Chloe was the only person in the home unable to escape. She leaves behind a son, Rhiley, now 12, and a daughter, Harley, aged five.
Jasmine and Chloe’s friendship began when they met at age 11, taking the long bus journey together to their secondary school in Swindon. “She was more like a sister than a friend,” Jasmine recalls. Chloe’s infectious energy and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone she met. “She was so bubbly—always singing, always laughing. She made everyone feel special,” says Jasmine.
Their friendship endured through the years and was filled with small, meaningful memories—like sharing an iPod on the school bus, with Chloe relentlessly playing her favourite songs on repeat, much to Jasmine’s amusement. Jasmine plans to channel those joyful moments by listening to a playlist of their favourite tracks as she runs the marathon, inviting her friend’s spirit to accompany her over every mile.
Chloe’s move to Ystradgynlais at 17 prompted Jasmine to follow her heart to nearby Swansea, where she attended university. It was during this time that Chloe confided in Jasmine about her pregnancy—news that cemented yet another chapter in their friendship. Jasmine was even the first person to hold Rhiley as a newborn, after Chloe, ever the loving friend, smuggled her into the hospital by pretending they were sisters.
Sadly, Chloe’s life was cut short far too soon. “Finding out what actually happened was awful; I really struggled to come to terms with it,” Jasmine admits. Just two days after Chloe’s funeral, Jasmine herself learned she was pregnant. This bittersweet timing inspired her desire to support Chloe’s family and ensure her children always know how incredible and deeply loved their mother was.
Jasmine’s marathon initiative aims to raise funds for Chloe’s children, to be managed by Chloe’s mother, Emma, in ways that best support Rhiley and Harley—whether for their education, experiences, or simply to keep Chloe’s warmth alive in their lives. The response to the fundraiser has been overwhelmingly positive, with donations flooding in from Chloe’s friends and family, emphasising the strong community that continues to surround her children.
Despite facing her own health challenges with Crohn’s disease and balancing the demands of raising a toddler, Jasmine describes her marathon training as a “labour of love.” The thought of making a difference for Rhiley and Harley, as well as the memory of Chloe’s bright personality, is what motivates her to keep going—even on the toughest runs. “Knowing what I’m running for has made me more determined than ever,” Jasmine shares.
As of now, the fundraiser has amassed £800, a testament to the enduring connections Chloe forged in her life. Jasmine hopes that her efforts will help provide security for Chloe’s children and ensure they grow up surrounded not only by memories of their mother but by constant reminders of how beloved she was. “I want the kids to feel protected, to know just how remarkable their mum was,” Jasmine says.
Jasmine’s heartfelt tribute serves as an inspiration, underscoring the importance of community and the power of friendship to heal and to honour those we have lost. Her story is a poignant reminder that, even after unspeakable tragedy, love and kindness can light the way forward for those left behind.