I've decided to test my central governor, my test of will, to run as far as I can in 24 hours.  From East Strand beach out to the White Rocks and back.  This is the Portrush parkrun course and as event director I can think of no better place to do it.

The event will take place on Saturday 22nd June 2013 (almost the longest day of the year).  It will start at 09:30 to tie in with the parkrun on the same day.  It will finish at 09:30 on 23rd June 2013.  I'll be looking for support along the way for any keen parkrunners / runners / walkers to come along the journey with me.

There are times in your life that you remember for the good times, you remember because they stood out from everything else.  There are also those times that turn your world upside down, forever.

Poppy was born on 5th December 2009 with a genetic complication that meant that she was lucky to survive the pregnancy let alone the birth.  We had no idea how long she would be with us.  What happened in the next 8 days would change our lives forever.

Having known about Poppy's condition since the end of October we had already experienced so many emotions up to the birth.  There were moments of hope, moments when we thought things would be OK.

Poppy was with us for eight days, she died in my arms, listening to her mummy and her nanny chatting about nothing in particular.  From that day on life changed, life would never be the same again.

SANDS NI gave us the support that we needed at the time when we needed it most.  They were the people who were able to listen, who understood.  Not many know what it's like to lose a baby, a daughter, a son.  SANDS do, they've all been there.  

Kirsty has now set up Coleraine SANDS with Johanne and Joy, to give something back for the support they have received, to help others who's lives have changed forever.  It brings great comfort to her to know that she is able to help other distraught families.

Please try to give as much as possible as it will only give more support to those who desperately need it.