Most of you will know I am a total running chat bore but that’s just me talking a good game – the last time I ran a marathon I was 30, approximately 2 stone lighter and hadn’t had 2 children. I’m a little bit terrified. My return to the marathon stage is a lot about the charity I am running for - Grief Encounter.

Every 22 minutes a child in the UK loses a parent or a sibling. Those who have known me for a very long time will know that in 1985 my mum died after a 4 year fight against cancer. She was 40, we were 7, 9, 12 and 14 respectively.  Losing a parent as a child is brutal and has far-reaching impacts on an individual’s life.  In 1985 there was limited external support or understanding of what bereaved children needed. Grief Encounter are one of the UK’s leading charities for children who have suffered the loss of a loved one and your donations will enable them to provide a wide spectrum of support including:

- Workshops with other children who have experienced loss

- Visits to  schools to train teachers in how to best support affected children

- Counselling, both in the aftermath and the years to come

- A telephone helpline; and

- Daytrips for families to start having fun again.

Thank you so much for your support