On the 2nd of October 2021, our dear son Michael was hit by a car and killed on an evening out with some of his friends in Canterbury. Michael was 22 years old and had just finished his four year Masters degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, and was in the middle of interviews to begin his career. He had everything to look forward to.

Michael was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to many, and will be deeply missed by everyone he knew. 

After the accident there seemed to be very little support available to deal with the sudden and tragic loss of a child, but we turned to The Compassionate friends UK (TCF UK), who really understand what we are going through and have given us support whenever we needed it. Sadly, through our experience we now realise how common the loss of a child is, and how it's not like any other grief experienced. It just should never happen! We will never get over this but with the help of TCF UK and our friends and family we will, in time, come to terms with what our new "normal" will be.

This year we are trying to raise as much money as we can  for The Compassionate Friends, and also give us something "positive" to focus on as we experience a calendar of "firsts" without Michael. We are starting with a 5K run on the 16th of April, a 100 mile bike ride on the 29th of May, a half marathon in August, and culminating in the London Marathon which is poignantly exactly a year to the day from Michael's death. We want to include as many family and friends in these events and the training needed, so that it becomes a joint effort by as many people as possible. Whether it's a small part of a training cycle ride or run, or a full training ride or run, or it's one of the events, it really doesn't matter. By getting involved in any small way you will be helping to raise money, and also doing yourself some good. 

So please donate whatever you can, and let us know if you want to get involved. Many thanks from Chris, Anna and Lucy.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

OTHER EVENTS TAKING PLACE THIS YEAR...

Fun run - 16th April 2022 - organised by Sarah West (Lucy's friend Ashleigh's mum)

£800 was raised for The Compassionate friends as runners, walkers and supporters donated for this great cause.  Thanks so much to Sarah and her friends & family who arranged this event and the fabulous weather to go with it. We all enjoyed it so much that we'll be making it an annual event.

Vaisakhi Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge - Saturday 11th June 2022

Bhinder Dhothar, the mum of one of Michaels good friends Arun will be taking on the challenge of walking 24 miles over the highest peaks in Yorkshire in under 12 hours. She has decided to support our fundraising efforts this year in joining us in raising money for The Compassionate Friends charity in memory of Michael.