This April, I will be running the London Marathon in memory of my beautiful mum who was tragically killed in 2023. My mum was the strongest, most generous, selfless, and kind-hearted person I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. She was also a treasured little sister, an adored Aunty, and a cherished, lifelong friend to so many. It is difficult to articulate the immense grief our family has experienced; the shock and deep sense of loss will never leave us.

Running has always been a passion of mine; I last ran the London Marathon in 2015, where my mum was waiting for me at the finish line with open arms, beaming with pride (always my biggest cheerleader!!). I have fond memories of us training together, her setting the pace on her bike with me running by her side along the seafront trying my best to keep up before sharing chocolate cake at the local café.

I chose this picture as the day before she died, we had an afternoon tea with our family, the day was so perfect, she was so happy and in her element on champagne pouring duty, cuddling the little ones, and gifting us with her famous malt loaf.

I promised that I would continue to honour her zest for life and what better way to do it than by taking up this challenge and fundraise for Refuge. One in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime and on average one woman is killed every 5 days in England and Wales by a current or former partner.

Refuge is the largest single provider of specialist services to survivors of domestic, sexual and gender-based abuse and runs the freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline that provides the first step to women escaping abuse. 

By kindly sponsoring me today you are helping to save and change the lives of thousands of women and their children.

Thank you for supporting a cause so close to my heart <3

Helen