How can you tell if someone is running a marathon? They’ll tell you.

On Sunday 16th October 2022 I will be running the Yorkshire Marathon. All 26.2 miles of it.

Am I a runner? No. This endeavour is entirely the product of a Friday afternoon conversation in the office just 23 weeks ago and over those 23 weeks more than a couple of people have asked me if I’d be raising funds for a charitable cause. I appreciate that I have left it a little late to get started but, as of today, the answer to that question is ‘yes’!

On 25th October 2022 it will be 26 years since I lost my dad. I was 14. The burden that bereavement places on those left behind is immense. Even as an adult I don’t think that I will ever fully understand the emotions I felt at the time but as a child I found my own personal grief crushing. This has never left me.

Because of this I will be raising funds for Bereaved Children Support York.

This is a charity based in York who seek to support children, young people and their families living in the York area so that they are better able to cope with the impact of bereavement on their lives. This includes the provision of one to one therapeutic support.

Nothing would have taken my pain away all those years ago but having someone outside of my immediate family to talk to, to be supported by, to be able to grieve in front of… It wouldn’t have been so overwhelming and I wouldn't have felt so alone.

The work that Bereaved Children Support York do to support children and their families so they they can cope better with bereavement is invaluable and this is why they're my chosen charity.

I genuinely appreciate the time you’ve taken to read this because it’s important to me that you know why I’m running. If you would also like to make a donation to this very worthwhile and personally significant cause then I would be very grateful!

Nick