DAVID KILEY
Marathon Madness - Monday 17 June - Friday 21st June - in memory of Ellame Ford-Dunn
Fundraising for You Raise Me Up
Story
I have decided to sign up to the bonkers challenge known as MARATHON MADNESS where I will be running 5 (evening) marathons over 5 consecutive days (Monday 17/06/24 - Friday 21/06/24).
Why am I doing this to myself you ask?.. To raise funds for a very special charity YOU RAISE ME UP who have been supporting a very special family, our lovely neighbours from across the street the Ford-Dunns.
Two years ago, Nancy & Ken Ford-Dunn tragically lost their 16 year old daughter Ellame to suicide. Their son Arthur has been my son James' best friend ever since we moved to Upper Beeding (nearly 10 years ago) they also have a younger daughter Frankie.
Clearly this tragedy ripped a hole in the family and I think that everyone in our little village has been deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Ellame. There's not a day that passes where they are not in our thoughts.
Ellame was such a bright bundle of energy and was so mischievously funny. Since her passing Nancy has been courageously campaigning on her behalf and bringing awareness to others about predators who are not always the typical dodgy looking bloke that mum warned you about, sometimes it can be 'normal looking' folk, who you least expect. Nancy's tireless work is truly inspirational and vitally important to bringing awareness to keep all of our children safe!
This is the reason that I am doing this challenge. I know that it is going to be very tough (my feet hurt just thinking about it!) but when the going gets tough, it will be Ellame and the Ford-Dunn's struggle that will be my motivation to push on through and power me up to run the 131 miles over 5 days.
Thank you to my amazing employer HJ BURT who paid my £175 entry fee for me to be able to undertake this mega challenge so I can raise funds for this awesome charity.
YOU RAISE ME UP's support has been invaluable and the work they do concerning mental health and emotional support is so needed for them and others in the community.
You Raise Me Up supports families after the death of a child aged 16-25.
The charity provides compassion, support and simply to be able to say “we totally understand” rather than “we cannot imagine what you are going through”.
They have trained, experienced counsellors available to help families through these dark times. They also run monthly support groups, where you can meet other families going through similar emotions and start to feel less alone. Their support centre and community cafe in Polegate is a comfortable welcoming space for all and they are solely reliant on sponsorship to keep their vital organisation going.
This will likely be the last time I take on a challenge of this magnitude so if you can sponsor to this worthy cause please do.
Thank you
Dave x
Details of the 5 Marathons locations etc can be found on below link. If anyone would like to join me for a half marathon (or full) on any of these 5 days you can also sign up at the below link. £25 entry for Half.