ROANOKE, Va. – People are honoring the life and legacy of Tabitha Thompson, an avid runner, cyclist and horseback rider from the Roanoke Valley who died in a crash last month.
The biking and running community presented a $25,000 check to Carilion Clinic in her memory.
“Roanoke lost one of its brightest stars, and I lost my wife,” Matt Thompson said.
Matt Thompson and Tabitha knew each other for over two decades and he is pleased the community is honoring his loved one.
“I can’t thank you enough for being here,” Matt said.
The community rallied and held runs in honor of the avid runner and biker.
Tabitha died in February while riding her bike after a car hit her on Route 11 near Darby Road in Botetourt County.
She was also a nurse who worked at Carilion Clinic’s NICU
In honor of the avid runner, Fleet Feet held a virtual fundraising event called #Miles4Tab.
More than 640 people took part, raising more than $15,000 in donations.
At the end of the fundraising event, a total of $25,000 was donated to Carilion.
“In her memory and with this very kind and amazing gift, I assure we will use it, for all the right reasons,” Nancy Agee, Carillion’s CEO said.
The money raised will go toward a cherry tree at Carillion in honor of Tabitha and getting a dedicated musician to play music in the NICU.