So here we go. I am taking on the big one. The London Marathon.

I am running for Daisy's Dream, a wonderful charity very close to my heart.  I got involved with Daisy's Dream through my friend Michelle. It is probably easier if we hear all about them from her, so below is what Michelle has written.

I am hugely grateful to James for taking up the place that Step Ahead Recruitment were offered on The London Marathon. Since becoming a client of ours, James and I have become friends and I couldn’t think of anyone better to take up the challenge.

To give a little background, Daisy’s Dream supported my son Jack and I through some incredibly tough times when my husband took his own life in 2004….I really don’t know how we would have managed without them.

Suicide is a particularly challenging death to deal with. There is a significant degree of shock and trauma as always with a sudden and unexpected death, however these feelings are often accompanied by a feeling of abandonment/rejection. I had no idea how best to support my son. I was barely functioning myself, trying to make sense of what had happened. Jack developed extreme anxiety and separation issues and regressed at school following his Dad’s death. Daisy’s Dream assigned a key worker who visited him regularly at home and also visited his school to teach them how best to support him. We attended regular events where we met other bereaved families. Meeting other bereaved families, particularly was an invaluable part of the process for us and probably the thing that helped most of all.

Of course when I set up Step Ahead Recruitment in 2011, Daisy’s Dream became our company charity. Their service is completely free and they need to raise over £400k yearly to continue their invaluable work. Over the years we have supported a sky dive, The Big Christmas Give and lots of other events. This year, thanks to James it’s the big one. The London Marathon! - Michelle

James here again. On a personal note, Daisy's Dream suddenly became much more important to me this year, as I watched a close friend die in his mid 30's from Leukeamia, leaving behind two very young daughers and a grieving wife. Daisy's Dream, and charities like it, do absolutely valuable work to help support families through bereavement. 

Each year Daisy's Dream support around 700 children and young people through their bereavement. Whether they are facing the death of someone they love or have already experienced their loss, their professionally qualified Family Workers are on hand to offer families the support and guidance they need.

This amazing charity never charge anybody a penny for their services, but because of this Daisy's Dream need to raise over £415,000 a year to cover their costs.

This is where you come in. Every pound you give will enable Daisy's Dream to support families when they need us the most. Please give what you can.