My uncle took his own life on Wednesday 6th September. His death has left an open ended book of questions we need answered - mainly why? Why did he do this? And the guilt, the guilt of not being able to help him. For not listening hard enough. The regret of not answering that last message he sent, for the last words not being ones filled with love.
So the only way I can show him how much he was loved and will be forever in our hearts is to do something in his memory.
I was desperately hoping I would receive a place in the London Marathon, until a friend sent me a link to the Isle of Wight challenge. 24-30 hours walking 106km/ 65.8 miles. A challenge I said I would never take part in.
Every step in the lead up to this challenge will be for him.
And I will continue once this challenge is over. Raising money for Mind running Richmond 10, vitality 10,000, The Royal Parks Half Marathonand any other challenge I add to my list en-route.
Please give generously to help remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
To keep the memory of my one, my only loving Uncle Bob alive.
Robert Ferrari 22nd January 1969-6th September 2017
***UPDATE*** I will be returning to the London Marathon in 2019 after securing a ballot place. When I ran in 2017 my uncle’s voice was the one I heard in the last 500 metres cheering me on from the sidelines.
