18 months ago I decided I wanted to run a marathon before I turned 30. On 27 May I hope to achieve that goal by running the Edinburgh marathon.

Seven years ago, I was in my final year of university, but unlike many of my friends and peers I wasn't making plans for myself. I was only thinking of my family and my mum, as she passed away after a two-year illness.

Two years ago my dad passed away too, after a long battle with cancer. Although five years had passed between the death of my mum and dad, and I had done well in my studies, I still hadn't made any plans for the future. My family and I were just taking things day by day.

Even now, it's really hard to get out of that mindset, but with the help of family, friends and counselling I feel I am starting to get into a place where I can start making plans again, and give back.

In 2015, it was estimated that every day there were 112 newly bereaved children in the UK; 112 children who have to process their grief, maybe take care of a sibling, or deal with the logistics of what to do when someone dies: arranging a funeral, reading the will, sorting out grant of probate. This is why charities like Cruse are so important. 

Cruse Bereavement Care Essex is part of a national charity in the UK, but with local offices, they offer free support and advice when someone dies. They offer advice that is specific to your situation and help you to determine what your next step should be. I found this sort of support invaluable following the death of my dad, when my sisters and I needed to organise funeral arrangements and fulfil legal requirements around our dad's will and probate. I also found that this support enabled me to start counselling, so that I could begin to process my grief.

If you can, please support me by donating to my JustGiving page, so that when someone else needs the support and advice that I needed, there will be someone there to help.

I will be running for my mum, my dad, myself, and everyone that we can help.