I am running the London marathon in April 2023.

I know, the fastest I usually run is when the bell goes for last orders so the fact I am doing this is utterly absurd.

I’ve done a couple of half marathons and I wasn’t a fan. 13.1 miles is a long way and it hurt so the thought of running double that makes my knees ache already. I’ve always wanted to say I’ve completed  a marathon though but before now I didn’t have a reason why.

But now I do. I’m running the marathon to support a charity called Child Bereavement UK. An amazing charity who support children who lose a parent.

I will be running in memory of Simon Burke who died in September 2022 and Child Bereavement UK are supporting his wonderful daughters Martha and Erin as they navigate their way through his very sudden loss.

I met the Burke family in 2012 when Martha and my eldest daughter Isabella started primary school. They both started school without knowing anyone else and from that first day forward they became the best of friends. I quickly got to know her parents Rachael and Simon and we became good friends just like our daughters continue to be.

I knew I’d like Rachael when she suggested wine on our very first play date for the girls! I hope you have a wine ready for me when I’ve attempted to run 26.2 miles Rach!

Now onto Simon. He was an incredible bloke. Kind, funny and so friendly. An absolutely brilliant husband to Rachael and the most devoted dad to Martha and Erin. He adored the three of them and his loss is just devastating.

He was the most hands on dad. I actually used to see him more than Rach most weeks sharing the picks ups and drop offs for two teenagers!

His loss will live with all of us forever. 

I’m always available to give Martha and Erin a cuddle and tell them I love them but I’m no expert in talking to young minds about grief which is why I’m supporting Child Bereavement UK who absolutely are the experts. 

I know times are tough financially for everyone at the moment but if you have a few spare pounds I’d be honoured if you’d consider supporting me in this challenge. 

I will find this hard. I work full time and have three kids with busy lives to organise but I’m determined to do it so that children like Martha and Erin can continue to receive such vital support.

And finally, for Simon. We miss you. Isabella misses you. We’ll make sure we take care of your beautiful family. I’ll be cursing your smiling face every step of the way but I’ll have Vanilla Ice in my ears  in your honour.

Thank you so much for any support you can provide.

Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We support children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying. We provide training to professionals in health and social care, education, and the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.We offer free, confidential bereavement support by telephone, video or instant messenger, as well as face to face from a number of locations across the UK.