I think you will be familiar with my story & the story of Mike, my late husband.

At the age of 45 I found myself widowed with two teenage boys. I was given some leaflets - still to this day I don't know where from, & in amongst them was a leaflet about WAY. 

This is a description of WAY taken from their publicity information:

"WAY is a UK charity that offers a peer-to-peer support network for anyone who's lost a partner before their 51st birthday – married or not, with or without children, inclusive of sexual orientation, gender, race and religion."

I went to my first Gloucestershire WAY gathering two months after Mike died. I was so nervous & really didn't know what to expect. However, I needn't have been nervous, I found myself amongst people who just "got it". No words of explanation needed, no taboos, no awkward silences & most incredible of all, much, much laughter. 

My connection with WAY has developed & grown. I am now giving back, in that peer - to - peer way, by organising & hosting for others as they take their first steps on their difficult paths. I have established some very important friendships where we have grown together; sharing "firsts", sharing family experiences & much, much more including laughter about dating & new relationships. 

Whilst my life has moved forward, WAY still has it's place & it's importance. I will always be a widow, but being a widow does not define me. 

I am running the London Marathon to support WAY & the incredible peer network that exists in this country. I hope that none of you are ever entitled to become a member of WAY, but if you do, what an incredible charity to be a member of. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.