IOn Saturday 19 September I ran the Hardmoors Ultra & Trail races Hardmoors 60, a 62 mile ultra marathon that takes place on the cleveland way, before I ran the fubdraiser managed to raise nearky £900 towards the £2000 target.

In 2016 I was honoured to be able to crew for a remarkable man, a truly genuine person, deeply caring who would do anything for anyone, someone that we all miss with all our hearts. Ian finished this very run 12th in a mind blowing 11hours 29 minutes and 11 seconds...

Last year Ian set off again on this very same ultra, it was to be Ian’s final run.

I remember as the realisation hit, how much the pain of loss overwhelmed every feeling and thought, I still have many moments like that and all the while, I’m thinking always of Ian’s two beautiful daughters he loved so very much, I have never before witnessed such a devoted love from a father for his children.

When we lost Ian I knew I wanted to do my best to support these incredibly strong young girls, they have overcome and endured pain I can not even begin to imagine.

I came up with an idea to set up a trust fund that I hoped could help even a little bit along the way for these girls to build a future, to raise money with every running challenge I set myself.

I run because of Ian, he inspired and continues to inspire so many people and I know that there are many times when he is there beside us when we are out there running the trails that he loved so much.

Ian was the most loving, kind, generous, funny, compassionate person I have ever met.

I know there are no guarantees with the amount of money I’ll raise but however long I am able to run for the rest of my life I will always be thinking of Ian and I feel it is something I can do for him too.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, if you feel like donating or sharing that would be amazing more than anything I’m grateful to you for your friendship and support. May we always remember that above all else we have each other ❤️

With love Kirstie

#Hardmoors

#ultrarunning

#trailrunning

#hardmoors60

#ITSOKAYTOTALK