Two years ago, I started on a circumnavigation of Ireland by sea kayak. The total journey is about 1600km. I had to stop after about 160km. I was finding it difficult to control the grief I was carrying for my daughter, Laura, who died in 2017. In the circumstances, I did the right thing. After just six days, I had raised almost €20,000, thanks to the the generosity of those that supported me.

Now two years later, I feel I am in a better place and I am resuming that journey from where I stopped. As part of this journey, I would like to raise some more funds for Anam Cara, a charity that provides support for bereaved parents and siblings. Anam Cara runs monthly support groups for parents around the island of Ireland. Through these meetings, bereaved parents find support from other bereaved parents to help them cope with their worst nightmare.

It is almost six years since Laura died. Laura's mum Nicky and I carry an enormous sadness everyday. Just like our love for Laura, this sadness has not and will not go away. Learning to carry this sadness and to live a 'normal' life takes years. Anam Cara has been a sanctuary for us. This is why I am asking you to again consider giving what you can to support this charity.

Thank you.