As we approach January 2021, it’s always good to reflect on what a tough year it’s been!  I’ve not been able to play Netball since March 2020 or take part in any challenges or anything exciting this year, yet through my role at Edward’s Trust I have witnessed so many families going through the unimaginable, losing their loved ones; sons, daughters, Mum’s, Dads, brothers, sisters… 

Family bereavement is something that touches us all at some point in our lives, but with so many unexpected traumatic deaths, suicides, child loss, baby loss, stillbirth, miscarriage, illness, sudden accidents, cancer & Covid19 that knock us sideways, sadly I see how this can bring us to the point of no return.  (I have been there myself)  I’ve witnessed busy phone lines at Edward’s Trust and so many cries for help during a pandemic that none of us expected 12 months ago.

I therefore start my next chapter on 1st January by taking on a double challenge;

1.    To virtually climb Edward’s Mountain (13,830 steps to the summit) which equates to climbing UP my staircase, at home 34 times per day, every day for the full 31 days of January.  Those that know me, won’t see this as a major challenge – I have young children; I race up and down my stairs at least 60+ times a day on most days, so with this in mind I will be completing the 34 flights up my stairs all at once, within a set time limit and will be making this challenge even more tricky by also:

2.    Running 3.2 miles every day for the 31 days of January!  (Edward’s Trust celebrates it’s 32nd Birthday of supporting families facing loss and surviving bereavement this year, hence the 3.2 mile run every day!)  The run will be carried out first then I will return home to attack my stairs for the 34 flights without stopping.  The run will also take place near my home, and of course my local route takes me through my little Jacks special garden (he is always my initial motivation to do any challenge) he will help to me to achieve and complete this challenge - I have so much to thank him for.  

January can be a real challenging month, I don’t expect to raise thousands but more than anything, I want to raise awareness of Family Bereavement and the impact it has on so many families.  I have known far too many families (including my own) friends and supporters from Edward’s Trust struggle this year, some of which have lost loved ones even recently, during the Christmas period.  It breaks my heart to see families grieving but it motivates me more than ever to see them smile again and reinvest in their lives with the right support that Edward’s Trust knows only too well.

You are more than welcome to join me on my challenge and help to #FlyTheKite for Bereaved Families across the West Midlands, as well of… (of course!) for my precious little boy; Jack William Goodway.  If you can’t join me, then I would appreciate massively if you could support me – the smallest amount makes the biggest difference to help a bereaved adult, young person or child to smile again…

From the Bottom of my heart – THANK YOU xxx

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