I’m running the Hackney Half Marathon in loving memory of beautiful Miriam Boulia.

Miriam and I were looking forward to our friend’s hen do just a couple of months later when I received the call no one ever wants to get - Miriam had been involved in a terrible, terrible accident. She was walking to work on Friday 4th February 2022 when she was struck by a bus whilst crossing a busy road in London. Paramedics, the fire brigade and London air ambulance were sent but my lovely friend couldn’t be saved. The call absolutely shocked me, and I’ve never felt that sense of immediate sadness ever before - I would never see my friend again.

Miriam was vibrant, funny, beautiful inside and out and everyone who knew her was absolutely devastated. She made everyone feel better with her huge smile, dry sense of humour and generous and caring personality. She was such a huge part of my teenage and young adult life, and we made so many memories together. I wish we could rewind and do it all again. Days out, nights out, holidays, dancing until the early hours, so many memories that I’ll never forget.

Running the Hackney Half in 2022 so soon after her passing was so tough, but it really helped me work through the grief. I’m running again in 2023 in honour of Miriam, to keep her spirit alive and to raise money for a cause she felt passionate about.

In loving memory of Miriam Boulia 24.09.1988 - 04.02.2022

I will miss you forever, Mill. 

Barnes xx