Why Claire House?

In short Claire House were there for my family and I in the absolute worst of times; providing us with somewhere to return back to in the UK, dealing with aeromed teams and sourcing a ventilator for our daughter, all in the earliest days of the covid pandemic. They facilitated opportunities we may have otherwise missed; arranging family photographs with another amazing organisation (Jump) and hand and foot print taking. Simple, normal activities in an abnormal situation. In doing so they allowed us to spend a precious final few hours with our beautiful daughter before having to say goodbye just a few short weeks after we had welcomed her to our world. 

As our lives were turned upside down the Claire House team were there to provide compassion, support and kindness. Even in normal circumstances this would be vital, in the midst of a global pandemic and nationwide lockdowns this was invaluable to us. For the months and years that followed they have continued to provide me with counselling support and I will be forever grateful for their efforts. I will never be the person I was before but I’m here.

The Great North Run and the Daily 5k:

For many years I have seen running as a comfortable release from the usual stresses faced in life. Sometimes this has been a solo effort. Sometimes I’ve welcomed the company of others. Losing Phoebe led me to retreat from this usual coping mechanism and my usually reliable fitness dropped away quickly. Since the 1st of January I’ve been running 5km each day and I intend to continue this at least until the end of the year; on current projection this will see me running over 2000km this year. You can follow my progress on Strava here.

The Great North Run was suggested by a good friend as a challenge and a way to get a small part of the old me back not least as it was the event that introduced me to distance running. Being able to run this for Claire House in memory of Phoebe is a privilege and whilst I can’t promise a fast time, I will finish and hope to do my daughter proud even if she can’t be there to watch me in person. By coincidence the event will be run on the same day as the Claire House memory day, an annual event to remember those children no longer here with their families. Whilst I think of Phoebe every day this is a particularly significant day in our diary. 

Like many charities, Claire House deserve every bit of recognition and support possible. Any support you can offer to this amazing organisation is welcome. If you can’t donate then please share the link to others . Thank you all.