My only sister Emma was tragically lost  by all who loved and cherished her, due to an illness which is wildly unacknowledged or taken less seriously than it should be.

Although this feels like yesterday to my family, it will be 10 years this year.  A milestone no body wants to reach. 

10 years ago, I ran the marathon, Emma was pregnant and happily supporting me from the luxury of her sofa.

10 years on, I still have some mad desire to keep running and trying to remember Emma, and help raise awareness of peri natal mental health.

Since we lost Emma we have become aware of some astonishing and desperately sad statistics. In the UK, one Mother a week will be totally overwhelmed by Post Natal Depression and will tragically be lost to a loving family. Post Natal Depression is a silent killer.

As a family, we will always keep our memories of our wonderful Emsie alive. We will remember her stunning looks, her loyalty to those she loved, and her much missed sense of humour. Emma’s spirit will guide my family through the dark days that follow such a tragic loss, in many ways Emma will always be with us. My nephew Harrison is an accolade to my Sister and the wonderful Mummy she was to him.

 Emma touched so many people in her life, and will continue to do so. For anyone who wishes to commemorate my dear sister, then please help us provide much needed resources to the Association of Post Natal Illness, and help break the silence on this illness and save other children from losing their Mum, and their families having to learn to live without them.

Emma, I love you always. The world is not as fun without you, but I am lucky to have had you as my Sister.

Love Luce xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx