So… I’m running the 2023 London Marathon!!! Whilst I was lucky enough to get a ballot place, I have known for quite some time that if I ever ran the marathon, it would be for Child Bereavement UK. 

In July 2020, my world was completely turned upside down when my little brother Sam died suddenly, the day after his 15th birthday. I was 21 at the time. 

Heartbroken doesn’t begin to describe it. I genuinely cannot explain the feeling of the pain, the anger, the sheer grief. This was my first real experience of grief, and it is an incredibly lonely place. I had no idea what to do with myself. It was a dark time. 

When Sam died, my younger siblings were 17 and 12 respectively - just children, having to attend a funeral for their child brother. It’s just inconceivable, but this is our reality. We remain one of four. We think about Sam every day. But the grief is overwhelming sometimes, and not something you’re ever taught about or know how to deal with. 

People say time heals. I disagree. There is no healing when it comes to grief. But time, combined with support from amazing people and charities like Child Bereavement UK, helps you to discover ways to navigate your grief day to day.

One way I learned how to deal with my grief was through forming a Bereavement Network at my place of work (the Department for Transport). This has now been running for nearly 18 months and I truly hope it has provided my colleagues with a safe space to share in their grief, and hopefully not feel so alone. It’s my proudest achievement, and feels like I’m honouring Sam every day through this work. 

It was through the Network that i discovered Child Bereavement UK, and have been in awe of them every day since. The work they do provides much needed support to families like mine, suffering through the bereavement of a child, as well as supporting children experiencing grief. They are the type of charity who’s work is invaluable and deserves the MOST support possible, so they can continue to do what they do. You can see a bit more about the support this incredible charity provides below. 

So next up, the marathon. I’m not a runner - in fact, I reckon Sam would laugh his BUM off if he knew I was doing this. I also know he will be cheering me on every step of the way. 

If you are able, I would be so grateful if you could please consider donating to this incredible charity, which will mean seeing me make a tit of myself running over 26 miles in honour of my INCREDIBLE little brother, Sam, who I miss every single day. 

Thank you x 

-

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.