This is a charity very close to myself and my family. When we lost my Dad in 2012 and then my Mum in 2015, St Gemma’s was the constant that helped to provide a sense of comfort within the hardest of circumstances. They gave the most exceptional care to my parents throughout their Illnesses and in their final days, something I will be forever grateful for. My Mum looked forward to her out-patient days at St Gemma’s, where she found a love for arts and crafts and created the most precious keepsakes for her loved ones. St Gemma's also helped me personally; I received nearly 8 years of bereavement counselling and support to help me come to terms with my future without my Mum and Dad. This support also included group sessions, where we would go on trips to paint balling and laser tag as well as weekend sailing trips away. These sessions allowed us to have some fun and be around other young people going through similar situations. I really believe the support I received had a positive impact on me and equipped me to deal with the challenges that would lie ahead. Without that support from them, and other people around me, I would not be where I am today.

I could share many more examples of how much I appreciate this charity and why I am consequently taking on this challenge. I’m not currently much of a runner myself, although I regularly play a variety of team sports, so I am both excited and nervous for this personal challenge. I hope to raise money so that St Gemma’s can continue to have the same impact on other families lives as it did on mine