This magic image above is of my parents, Irene and David, on 23rd July 1981, shortly after they met at university in Warwickshire. It was taken in Kirby Cane, Norfolk. My dad had brought my mum back to show off to his teenage brothers/cousins, who were having a get-together in the countryside. His cousin Tim (thanks Tim!), who took this photo said, “We were in awe of your dad - we thought he looked like a rock star!” 

I first saw this last August at my dad’s funeral and was dumbfounded. Not sure I'd ever seen a photo of them together before I was born. My mum died seven weeks ago and I’ve wanted to track it down since. I’m sad I never got to show it to to her, I’m sure she’d have got a kick out of it... 

The loss of both my parents within six months was extremely unexpected for everyone on both sides of my family, but life’s biggest surprises are usually not just purely sad or happy, and I’ve already managed to find lots of joy in remembering the lives of two such extraordinary humans.

I’m running the Hackney Half Marathon on May 19th, and am doing it for a charity that both my parents worked for at different stages of their careers and was close to their hearts. It used to be called Voice For The Child In Care, and is now known as Coram Voice. They fight for the rights and representation of children in the UK care system who’re there because their family can’t or won't care for them or have been abused or seriously neglected. Both my parents dedicated their lives to the protection, care and representation of young people, which makes me very proud. If you like to donate to my fundraising for this wonderful cause - and spur me on to be a bit fitter and faster in the process- please do above! :) J x