On 30th April 2023 myself, Frankie and a few friends will take on a Spartan obstacle race in memory of two very special family members lost far too soon. Lisa and Rosie Moncrieff, mum and 8 year old daughter, passed away within 4 months of each other leaving my brother Iain and 3 year old Reggie behind.

We will be raising funds for Weston Hospicecare where Lisa spent her final weeks, and Springboard, an organisation that provided amazing support to Rosie during her early years. We really hope you can spare a few minutes and donate some of your hard earned cash if you can, and we'd be very grateful if you can share this far and wide to help us reach our target! Read on to hear more about why...

Rosie was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy called nemaline myopathy which meant she needed help in every aspect of her life. Lisa and Iain gave her the most wonderful and loving home possible, they embraced the challenges that were presented to them with positivity and energy, whilst quietly enduring heart ache and exhaustion that I cannot imagine.

Iain, Lisa and Rosie soon linked in with Springboard, the only organisation of its kind in North Somerset to provide vital services and support to families with additional needs. A place where different isn't different, and additional needs are not an additional burden. They offered a welcoming space for Rosie to learn, play, build friendships and she loved her visits there!

Fast forward to the summer of 2021 as we were coming out of lockdown and Lisa was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. Just over a year later Lisa went into the hospice - the team were absolutely fantastic! They provided Lisa (along with family and friends) time, space and a safe place to face the greatest obstacle of all - leaving her loved ones behind. She passed away in September 2022.

Just a couple of months later Rosie fell ill and was admitted to PICU. A hospital admission wasn't unusual for Rosie but after a few weeks things started to feel different. Despite Rosie's best efforts, the love and prayers from those near and far, and the care of the medical team, she passed away in January 2023, just 4 months after Lisa.

I know my brother Iain will hate me saying this (sorry E!) but he is my absolute hero and we are doing this as much for him and for Reggie, who are here finding their feet as they wade through the treacle of grief. Iain has dealt with each and every heartbreaking challenge with amazing resilience, dignity, and kindness to others. I honestly don't know how he has, and continues, to do it.

Frankie and I decided we wanted to do something positive and give something back. I am slightly concerned I may misjudge the fire jump at the end (yes, actual fire!) but knowing we have your support will keep us both going! An additional thank you goes out to some friends who will be joining us - Tim who is taking on the adult race, and Frankie's friends taking on the challenge of the Kids Spartan Race - Arthur, Finn, Daisy, Theo and Edie. Thank you!

Ideally we would like to distribute donations equally between the two charities, but funds raised on each page will go directly to the charity you have chosen.

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading to the end! Please spare another minute and donate if you can. It really is appreciated.