Macclesfield Express

It’s not hard to work out who rules the

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There comes a time in life when it becomes very apparent, we don’t fully control our destiny. There’s always someone or something which dictates our decisions.

For Thomas, that day is yet to come but, in his case, I think he’ll be astonished how much his own sister rules his existence.

He’s become Emma’s sidekick, and she’s appointed herself as his official spokesman, so he rarely answers questions without looking hesitantly at his sister for policy guidance.

“What would you like for breakfast?” I asked Thomas, to which Emma replied, “he’ll have Shreddies, and I’ll have Corn Flakes”.

Upsettingl­y, I could hear Thomas whisper “Weetabix”, but he didn’t want to go against the party line, so kids – have fun.”

And it doesn’t just have to be mums, dads and kids – anyone can take part, including grandparen­ts, and Paula’s dad, Peter, joined the family for the first Families on Track event in Durham in 2019. Sadly, Peter died last year, at the age of 73. It was a tough year for Paula, as Isla was also diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. However, after chemothera­py she has been given the allclear.

Paula, 47, won a host of races during her illustriou­s career, including the London Marathon, the New York Marathon and the World Cross Country Championsh­ips three simply left it at that one quietly spoken word.

Initially, her empire covered all toys, hence if Thomas was playing with anything, Emma swooped, stole it and claimed it as hers. He reacted by crying and looking for back up from either myself or Victoria.

At first, I’d brave her wrath and take her on but decided to encourage a bit of machismo by telling him, “Man up and steal Minnie from her”.

Upon this he might attempt to take her on, but for a child, she possesses a lot of physical strength, and any battle

 ??  ?? FAMILY OUTING: Paula Radcliffe with Isla, Raphael and her late father Peter
Paula and husband Gary Lough
FAMILY OUTING: Paula Radcliffe with Isla, Raphael and her late father Peter Paula and husband Gary Lough
 ??  ?? It can be easy to tell who the boss is sometimes
It can be easy to tell who the boss is sometimes

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