I still can not believe I am writing this. It does not feel real. Acceptance is a challenge. I am and will be eternally grateful for those around me who help me get through this.

As this opening statement suggests, in February this year I received a phone call I would hope no one ever receives. Initially the phone call was "Tim has had an accident, he's in hospital, he's stable, but Steve, it is serious". This call was from Tim's partner Bethan and I immediately sensed the seriousness.

The next day I was making my way to The Royal London Hospital to be with Tim, his amazing family and friends to be what soon became an incredible support network for Tim (Spoony) and for each other.

Spoony had a fall on his way back to a hotel local to his place of work in London. Somewhere he visited often. At 46 none of us would expect a 'fall' to result in serious injury, least of all when this was more of an innocuous trip. However, Tim fell on the back of his head and suffered a major brain injury.

The next few days were critical and the doctors did everything they could to reduce and control the swelling in Tim's brain. The rollercoaster ride we all went on over those first few days will never leave me. Nor, unfortunately, will the phone call Bethan received on Saturday 7th February when the surgeon delivered the news we were dreading - Tim is very unlikely to wake up from this. Heartbreak does not come close.

On 13th February, Spoony finally lost his fight to recover. He lived his life to the full and one of his passing gestures was to donate his organs. He has given life to at least 6 other people and continues to live on in others. An awesome human for 46 years and an incredible honour to be able to say he was my mate.

For those that know me relatively well, you will know I am somewhat prone to injuries. Spoony and I were going to attempt the Cheltenham Half Marathon this year but due to ongoing back and hamstring injuries I had not got around to committing. It feels only right that regardless of injuries, I get around the course and try and do Spoony proud. Spurred on by several of Tim's family, close friends and indeed some fellow pallbearers, I have entered and I WILL DO THIS.

As Tim ran last years event in aid of Sue Ryder, and had already secured himself a place in this years event for the same charity; we have decided we will honour him by doing the same.

I am therefore asking for you to dig deep and sponsor me. This will not only give me another great reason to make sure I get around the course, but will be providing much needed funds for a charity that was so close to Tim's heart, helped Tim personally and do so much good for people suffering with grief. Any amount you can spare would be so very much appreciated.

Thank you so much for your support and energy - I will need it!

I have left an excerpt below about Sue Ryder as a charity.

Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with Sue Ryder's support, no one has to face dying or grief alone. They are there when it matters.