In December 2022 my brother, James, took his own life.

Not just a big brother, but one of my closest friends, the impact of this has been, and continues to be, utterly devastating, not just for me but for all his family and friends. Of which there are many.

A few years ago James, my sister, sister-in-law, and one of my good friends ran the Nottingham Half Marathon. After completing it we all grabbed a beer at the end. Post run euphoria was kicking in and James and I, halfway through our beers, joked that next we would have to run a marathon. 

It was a joke that only siblings can make as, while we were laughing about it then, I felt sure that we would at some point accomplish it together. And in true sibling fashion, support and compete with each other to get us to the end.

In April 2024 I am going to get round, and finish, the London Marathon with my brother. Just not in the way I, or anyone else, envisaged. 

I am raising funds for Mind, a charity that aims to make mental health an everyday priority. A charity that supports people struggling with their mental health, wherever and whenever it is needed.

James didn't get this support. So not only am I running in memory of a wonderful human being, I am running to try and do a tiny bit to ensure people know of, and can access, support at critical moments.

A few things to know about me:

- My knees are made of glass

- I have an increasingly dodgy hip courtesy of Gelsthorpe genes

- My back hurts far too much for a 32-year-old

Therefore I am not setting a time, just the task of completing the race. 

Please donate whatever you can, in memory of James, but also to support an amazing charity help those in their darkest moments.