Dad’s Story

June 20th, 2026, marks ten years since we lost my dad, Eamonn Dolan. I can’t actually believe it’s been a whole decade; I miss him more than I could ever put into words.

The last 10 years haven’t been easy. Losing him changed everything. But this milestone is special and I want to do something to mark the anniversary. Throughout 2026, I'm taking on 10 events - one for each year since he passed - with the goal to raise £10,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Starting with Reading Half Marathon in March, alongside my brother and cousins, I then have planned: climbing Snowdon; a Tough Mudder; a Hyrox; and maybe even another marathon. I’m not sure who I think I am, because if you know me, I’m not a natural athlete haha - but I guess that’s the point of this; to push myself.

I remember my dad with such pride I feel like he had a rare ability to make you feel properly loved. He believed in positivity and genuinely thought there was goodness in people and in the world. He always spoke about the people around him with such pride and warmth and believed that if you worked hard, treated people properly, and showed up, things would work out. And he lived that belief. He made you feel seen and valued and made you feel like you mattered. He always had time for everyone.

Football wasn’t just my dad’s job; it was his whole life. He loved the game, but more than that, he loved the people in it. After he passed, I was lucky enough to hear so many stories from friends and colleagues, the amount of love I felt from everyone was so special. And that's what this year is really about. Remembering him properly. I want to share stories and come together to raise as much money as possible in his memory. The fact that so many people are still willing to show up for me and my dad, to take part in these challenges, donate, cheer us on, and spread the word, means so much to me.

Thank you to everyone who has helped make sure dad isn’t forgotten: my family, his friends and everyone at Reading FC. And thank you to my friends for sticking with me through the chaos.

My dad always said,

So, I better get working and hopefully I’ll be lucky enough to gather some donations and support. Let me know if anyone wants to get involved themselves.

So much love, Grace x