How do you tell your 11 year old that their best friend has just died?

Something you should never have to do.

Here is my story:

It's been a month ...  and it's by no means easier.  Let me share a very sad story with you.

A month ago I got a call from my best friend to say: "Annabel's dead".  Annabel is her only daughter / child and only 11 years old.  Annabel and Zoë ( my daughter) are best friends.  They did so much together. They have known each other from nursery days and their friendship has blossomed ever since.

Our lives have changed forever!

Totally devastated and unable to say or do anything that could possibly make my dear friend feel better - I simply feel helpless and useless.

I have decided to dust off my running shoes and have signed up for 3 half marathons - Warwick (February) , Stratford upon Avon (April) and Leamington Spa (June). I would like to raise as much money for Annabel's chosen charities.  However more importantly I would like to build a legacy for Annabel.    I want to share her name and make everyone aware of the amazing gift that was bestowed upon my friend and her husband for only 11 short years.  You can read their story on the attached link.

https://www.justgiving.com/team/AnnabelGreenhalgh

Now some might think that a half marathon is a "walk in the park" for somebody who has completed a double marathon, however I am relying on muscle memory from 13 years ago! Longer than the life of Annabel.   My last marathon was the year before Annabel was born.

Annabel loved Christmas - she would start counting the days from as early as September / October.  I cannot imagine how my friend survives through Christmas without Annabel who has been the centre of her universe.  It will most certainly be a very different Christmas for me and our dear Zoë.

Please can I ask you to share our story, help build Annabel's legacy and if you could spare £1 please sponsor me in running the chosen half marathons.  All donations will go to Annabel’s chosen charities. They have requested us to consider both charities and ideally both charities to benefit equally.

Thank you in advance for your kindness

Give your loved ones a big hug and remember …

Tomorrow is promised to no one …

Yesterday‘s past, tomorrow‘s the future, but today is a gift. That‘s why it’s called the present ! Bil Keane

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