Who am I?

In 2016 I lost my 9 year old son to a brain tumour. William was diagnosed just 3 days before his 8th birthday and passed away 5 days after his 9th. As you can imagine, this was the most devastating news and experience anyone could experience, its unnatural and it should never happen. 

During our initial grieving, my wife and I were always there for each other. When she struggled, I picked her up and when I struggled, she did the same. 

Eventually, I found solace in helping the community, I am a volunteer for 3 charities (including Bluesky Retreat). When I first started to volunteer, I wanted to ‘give back’ to the community. The community who helped us through, thanks to them, we had the most amazing last year with William. We visited Florida, went to Disney and Universal studios. Spent many days at Williams favourite safari park, Longleat. Many days out resulting in many happy memories. 

Why sober for a year?

As well as finding solace in volunteering, I have also found myself drinking a lot. Not to the point where it has become a problem may I add. 

After a days work, I have a bottle of wine or 4 cans of larger. This has become a habit for the last few years, especially during the last year where the world has become a little crazy.

I don’t believe in doing something sponsored if its going to be easy! Therefore, I am also dedicated to lose 12kg and to be able to run 12 miles by the end of 2021. I am currently 100Kg and haven’t run a mile since leaving the army in 2007!!

Bluesky Retreat are calling out for people to help them raise enough for them to achieve their goals, as the events manager/organiser for the charity, I thought I would be the one to start the ball rolling.

You will have regular monthly updates, either with video or with a written message. 

This will be no easy feat but with your help and support, I can do it and I will do it!

Who are Bluesky Retreat?

BlueSky retreat is named after my sons favourite song, Mr BlueSky. The retreat is opening in Williams memory in order to provide help and support for families going through the most unnatural devastating time in their lives. They are a charity wanting to provide support to parents/carers/guardians and grandparents after the loss of a child. We will have the ability to provide relaxation treatments to help with the stress after the loss of a child as well as offering counselling in a nice tranquil retreat in order for them to get away from normal life and begin to come to terms with what has happened.

Thank you