A 40-year-old Dubai expat has sadly passed away unexpectedly in Dubai. Mary Taylor, who moved to Dubai in November, was a much-loved community runner from Silsden, near Bradford, UK, and her friends and family are devastated by the loss.

Her family is working closely with UAE authorities to ascertain the cause of her death after a friend found her dead on Friday. Known for her charity fun runs back in the UK, the heartbroken family told the BBC they assume she died from natural causes, as she was enjoying her new life in Dubai.

A ‘bring Mary home’ page raised more than £12,000 overnight

Her family is appealing for help to bring her home to the community that loved her and people have come together and have raised well over the £8,000 target. Mary’s stepfather shared the devastating update on the Go Fund Me page, asking people to bring her back to ‘the home of her fancy dress runs, her annual Christmas run with Santa, her presence in the gala and her selfless thought to the children at Easter.’

As the tragic news was delivered and which we as a family have struggled to come to comprehend and absorb we now accept that we will not see Mary again in this life; she was taken from us far too early as it came to pass that on Friday 13th January 2023 whilst living in Dubai Mary passed away and grew her wings.

Tributes for Mary are pouring in as her community grieves the loss

Saddened to learn of the passing of my old friend. Mary Taylor Assistant manager in my time at Tokyo Jos. She only moved to Dubai about 8 weeks ago for a fresh start & looked to be having the best time A fun loving, crazy character who will be missed by many I’ll never forget how excited you was to meet Kelly 

Horrible news to hear about Mary Taylor we had some laughs at school …… wish you safe passage on your new journey….Rest jn peace x