We will be running the Salisbury Plain Marathon on 8th June in memory of our best friend Alex. We have never run a marathon before and want to do this for Alex. Salisbury is where we were all brought up and lived, so it seemed fitting to choose this particular marathon, despite its hills!

In January this year Alex, our closest friend died, he was only 20 years old. He took his own life leaving us confused, grieving and at a loss of how to make sense of it all. Alex was undeniably caring; he would fill up a room with his laughs and smiles and brought so much joy to us all. A man that lived life to the full, who gave us our favourite stories and memories and whom we miss deeply. We know Alex will be with us every step of the way, so we hope to do him proud.

We are running to get more people talking and to raise as much awareness about suicide in young adults as we can. Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, every year over 1800 young people took their own lives. Papyrus is the national Charity for the Prevention of Young Suicide. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINE247. Every £5 raised can contribute towards a life-saving contact to HOPELINE247. Your donations really are lifesaving, thank you.

Thank you for your support and for helping others to avoid the pain and loss that we are experiencing and to save more young lives.

With love,

Joe and Sophie

We are fundraising in aid of PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide. All monies raised will go to PAPYRUS, but we are acting in our own capacity. PAPYRUS is not responsible for the content on this page and accepts no liability. The views and articles shared on this page are not in any way endorsed by or advocated by PAPYRUS.