In August 2022, my Dad suddenly died from a heart attack. This has been such a heartbreaking period for our family and adapting to a new normal continues to be a tough journey. But I know my Dad well, and know that he wouldn’t want me to focus on how he died but celebrate and remember how he lived.  

My Dad was loving and protective (sometimes to an annoying amount) and a man never afraid to face fears and challenges - a rock climber, a hiker completing challenges like the Pennine Way, a swimmer, a footballer, the list goes on. When he wasn’t taking me into his world to watch Manchester United play football he was helping to throw me into challenges and prepare me for the future. From a young age, I was privileged to discover the outdoors, nature and go on mini adventures with him. Without a doubt, it’s helped me to face life’s challenges today.

In 2025, in honour of my Dad’s life, I will be running the London Marathon for YHA (Youth Hostels Association). YHA means an awful lot to me and changed my Dad’s life from when he was an Assistant Warden at one of their hostels in the Lake District. As a charity, YHA help to create moments, adventures and opportunities for young people and communities through projects across the country. So in his legacy, the money raised for YHA will go towards young and future generations as well as different communities having greater access to nature, outdoors and the sense of adventure that all people should be able to have in their lifetime.

My target is a big one but hoping with everyone’s support, we can raise big money and raise the roof up there for Dave in time for the big marathon day. Thank you!!!

Today millions of young people live challenging lives. Together we can help create unforgettable moments in amazing places, on their first big adventure. With your support we can deliver experiences that have the power to change young people’s futures. Moments where young people believe in themselves for the first time, recognise their talents and develop the ambitions that will take them on a different path through life. For the millions of young people facing poverty, disability, long-term illness and other challenges, these moments are rare.