With my previous two fundraising challenges completed it’s great to be back in my cricket kit running in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation, raising funds and awareness of the amazing work they do supporting children and families facing the loss of a parent.

As I did last year, these events will all be completed whilst wearing full cricket kit, including pads, gloves, cap and a bat! So, if your interested in finding out more or following my journey then do join me, ‘The Running Cricketer’ via the links below:

The Running Cricketer - INSTAGRAM

The Running Cricketer - FACEBOOK

I’m continuing to take on these challenges in tribute to my wife Erika who sadly passed away in July 2022 having been diagnosed 18 months earlier with stage 4, incurable bowel cancer.

Despite receiving such devastating news Erika instinctively knew that we needed to talk to our children about her diagnosis and the cancer journey that lay ahead regardless of how painful and difficult this would be. She did so as she was determined that her cancer would not define them, their future or our family and that they would continue to thrive when she was no longer able to be with us.

The bravery and selflessness she showed in doing so during this difficult time is beyond words but has been instrumental in helping the children and I prepare for and grieve her loss. In tribute to Erika and to build on her legacy we are supporting the amazing pre-bereavement work that the Ruth Strauss Foundation do in helping other families prepare their children for the very sad loss of a parent or carer.

Tragically, 46,300 children under the age of 18 are affected by the loss of a parent or carer each year in the UK. That's an average of 127 children each day who face such devastating loss.

On behalf of every young person and their family who will benefit from your donation, thank you.