Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life is stand at the front of a church at my sisters funeral and talk about all the hopes and dreams she wanted to share and have with her boys. She was so excited for the future. Her boys were her everything. She wanted them to have a memorable childhood full of love and laughter and muddy puddles. She couldn't wait to see them grow up and meet their first girlfriends, to see them married. She was even excited about being a Grandma and having lots of Grandchildren so that the house would always be filled with happiness.

I felt numb that Monday morning when I received a frantic phone call from my mum telling me that Gemma was having a heart attack and that they were trying to resuscitate her. Driving to Stafford I kept praying that she would be fine but in the pit of your stomach I just knew nothing would ever be the same again. Losing Gemma has left such a huge hole in my heart and I don't think it will ever be filled again.

When I see her three boys I feel so much heart ache for all those special moments they will never get to share with their mum. So young to lose the most important person in their world. At the ages of 5, 3 and 1 they will always know how much their mummy loved them but they will never remember those amazing cuddles, the loud belly laugh, the sound of her voice or the smell of her clothes.

How do children learn to live with such hurt? All those difficult emotions that we as adults have had years to develop but still struggle with? 

I have decided to raise money for Winstons Wish. They are a charity who work with children to help them deal with the loss of a parent, sibling and other close family members and friends. To help them find ways of holding on to those happy memories and to remember special days such as birthdays and Christmas.

Gemma loved running and had completed her 1st half marathon in an amazing time of 1hr 48 in March. She had a whole day of shopping planned the day she died but sadly never made it home from her morning run in the village.

One thing I have learned is that life is short and precious. Live for the moment, enjoy every minute, cherish your family and friends.

My challenge is to make 2017 a positive year by completing 12 half Marathons throughout 2017.  Just one each month, kick starting with Helsby on the 15th January with my husband by my side and Gemma in my heart. 

Love you always  ❤️xxxx

January - Helsby, Cheshire

February  - Liversedge, Yorkshire

March - Stafford, Staffordshire

April - Liverpool, Merseyside 

May - Liverpool, Merseyside 

June - Freckleton, Lancashire 

July - Lytham St Anne's, Lancashire 

August - Dublin 

September - Great North Run

October - Manchester

November - Fort Lauderdale, Florida

December - Lisbon, Portugal 

Charity Night 23rd September - Eagle Sports Club, Warrington 

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