Ella Mei Burns
Ella's London Marathon Page
Fundraising for We Are With You
Story
My mother ran the London Marathon in 2007; I was 4 at the time! We used to joke about the fact that I should do it one day, but I always laughed, knowing it would never happen. Well, look who's laughing now...
Unfortunately, she won't see me run it though. After years and years of struggling, my mum passed away due to alcoholism in June 2023.
As a child who grew up in a household with issues surrounding alcohol, I wished my mum would've sought after some support and reached out because maybe she'd still be here today, saying 'I told you so'.
There is overwhelming stigma and judgement towards the subject that is blocking people from receiving life-saving support and that's why I'm running for We Are With You.
They provide both young people and adults with the paramount support they need for issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health in a non-judgemental environment.
Even helping to fund one person's support would mean the world; that person could be someone's parent, sibling or partner and everyone deserves a chance to feel supported and held. Just £8.40 provide someone access to a support session with a trained advisor. And that, legitimately, can change someone's life.
The important thing is for people to know that they do not have to suffer in silence or feel ashamed to ask for help; the freedom to reach out can be life or death- it can mean losing a loved one or getting them back.
You can donate as little as a coffee or the whole target if you're willing! But no matter how little or large the money you donate is, that will ripple and cause waves you didn't know were possible, and that's rather magical don't you think?
So, even though I am by no means a natural runner; any member of my family will tell you I am determined as hell! I will drag myself 26.2 miles if I have to but your support would make those miles feel like nothing!
If you want to check out With You's website, here's the link - https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
And thank you so much in advance!!