In December 2018 I lost my older sister, Emma, following a tough battle with cancer. Emma was two years older than me and died 7 weeks prior to her 30th birthday. She was the kindest and most selfless person I have ever met and her friends and family miss her every day.

Understandably, my parents and Emma's husband were the focus for many of those expressing their sympathies and whilst me and my younger brother, Joe, were well supported by our family and friends, it did occasionally feel like our own grief was outweighed by the sorrow faced by those around us. If I felt a degree of this as an adult, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for young children and teenagers enduring similar experiences. 

Sibling Support are there for this very reason – everything they do is to make siblings feel a little less forgotten. Their work mainly comprises of 'informal' support. That's less about counselling and more about resources; specifically designed booklets explaining grief, mindfulness boxes to gives tips on coping mechanisms, stories of other siblings to make young people feel less alone and much, much more. Sibling Support work with a host of partners and the majority of their resources go out through counsellors, hospitals and charities, whilst some go directly to families to help assist discussions about grief between parents and siblings.

Em loved running – and was much better at it than I am – so running the Edinburgh Marathon in her memory feels fitting (if a little daunting!). If you are able to spare a small donation it’ll be hugely appreciated, not only by myself, but by all of the families who have benefited from Sibling Support’s fantastic work. As a small charity, fundraising is essential to keeping them going and every single pound donated makes a big difference.