When our brother/cousin/friend Dave Lawson became ill and went into hospital in January this year, none of us expected what was to come. He sadly died on the 5th March 2021, aged 49, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Throughout those dreadful 6 weeks a group of old friends, who have known each other since our schooldays, rallied around to support Dave, his family and each other as best you can when something like this happens to someone you all love so dearly.

In the aftermath of his death as we collectively grappled with our loss, we looked around for *something* we could do. We settled on running 500km between us in a month, starting on June 26^th and finishing with the final 10km at the ASICS London 10km on the 25^th July. We honestly can’t remember Dave ever breaking into a jog after the age of about 15, but as a race that has live music all around the route in London, a city he loved so much, it seems a fitting one to be running in his memory.  

Dave was a massive music fan. It really was central to who he was – from going to gigs, listening to music, creating music-inspired art and even getting involved himself in a few music projects over the years. It was a thread that ran through every aspect of his life. He also hated inequality and was enraged that young people from less affluent backgrounds struggle to get the opportunities to develop their creative talents simply because of who they are, where they’re from or what they’re going through. That’s why we’ve decided to support Youth Music - because they believe that every young person should have the chance to change their life through music and their investment in grassroots organisations means that more young people can make, learn and earn in music.

We know that running 500km won't bring Dave back, but it feels right to be supporting the next generation of musical talent in his memory and we'd love it if you'll join us in doing this.  

Clare, Chris, Dave, Jess & Lucy x