In December 2019 the world of my very best friends was changed horribly forever and somehow their bravery, strength of character and strength in each other has meant they are in the place they are now! They also had incredible support from Ripples of Compassion and have both spoken of how this is another huge reason for the way they feel.
In this heartbreak, and as a father myself I wanted to support the work of Ripples so more families who have to endure heartache like Matt and Emily, can get the much needed support they should be receiving! Theo was a smiler and brought the best out in his family and so I want to run in his memory and raise as much money as I can.
Last year I stupidly ran 30 half marathons in 30 days! This year I'm going bigger to raise more, much needed funds as the money I raised didn't even cover a yearly total for support!
Although the pain of running 30 half marathons and over 450 miles in one month was stupid. This June I'm going to attempt 30 metric marathons in 30 days and will run over 650 miles!! This doesn't get near their pain so I am going to endure it anyway! So please give anything you can!
I also asked Matt and Emily to write something about the gorgeous boy that Theo was. Please read their tribute to him below:
Tribute: When faced with writing a tribute to Theo, it’s hard to express in written word how much of an impact such a small child had on the world in such a short space of time.
Theo came into the world a bouncy 9lb 10oz baby, and he spent his whole 2 years of life being bigger than the rest of the children his age, but this didn’t make him stronger or tougher. In fact he was the cuddliest, kindest, most gentle hearted little boy we could ever have asked for. He absolutely loved a mummy or daddy cuddle, and always said ‘night night love you’ at bedtime.
Theo’s character was one of laughter and happiness, he brought the fun loving nature out in everyone!
Theo’s passing was an utter shock to both me and Matt, he was such a healthy and happy young boy who didn’t live a moment in sadness.
He has taught us that you should never take anything for granted, life is for living so live it well!