Why I’m Running

In April 2026, at 66 years old, I’ll be running my first marathon — the Brighton Marathon — in memory of my brother, Alexander (Lexie) McDonnell, who died by suicide 36 years ago.

Lexie’s sudden death left our family shattered. He was 29, with a wife, an eight-year-old daughter, our parents, one brother, and four sisters. At the time, there was no dedicated support for families like ours — no map for our grief, only each other.

Since then, I’ve spent over 25 years determined to change that. I completed a PhD and have dedicated my career to suicide bereavement research — leading national studies, influencing policy, and developing training to help professionals provide better care to those bereaved by suicide.

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Why This Matters

Through the Postvention Trust CIC (who specialise in suicide bereavement research), I’m raising £3,000 to fund vital research on the impact of attending an inquest for families bereaved by suicide — an area that remains poorly understood but can deeply affect the grieving process.

Your support will help:

• Identify the needs of those attending inquests after a suicide

• Improve understanding and care for bereaved families

• Offer hope to people navigating one of life’s most painful losses

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Why a Marathon?

Grief is like a marathon — long, painful, and unpredictable. Running 26.2 miles feels like a fitting tribute to Lexie, who ran a marathon himself at 25.

Every step I take will honour him, support grieving families, and help transform the pain of loss into a message of hope. I’ll carry Lexie in my heart — and on my running vest — every mile of the way.

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How You Can Help

I’m aiming to raise £3,000 to fund this crucial research. Every donation — big or small — makes a difference.

If you can’t give, please share this page with friends, family, or colleagues. Every share helps raise awareness and support for families bereaved by suicide.

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Final Words

This marathon is for Lexie — and for every family bereaved by suicide. Every step is a step toward understanding, and a way to turn loss into hope.

Thank you for supporting my run. Together, we can give a voice to families bereaved by suicide and improve the care they receive when attending an inquest.

With love and gratitude,

Sharon x

I'm raising £3,000 for a community project

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