Running for Oli 💙

On Sunday 11th October 2026, I’ll be taking on a challenge that is very much outside my comfort zone – my first ever half marathon, the Oysho Royal Parks Half Marathon in London.

And I’m not doing it just for me.

I’m running to raise money and awareness for CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably, in memory of Oli, my sister-in-law’s brother, who tragically lost his life to suicide at just 25 years old.

Suicide is something that touches far too many families, and behind every statistic is a person, a family and a lifetime of people left trying to make sense of an unimaginable loss.

The need for organisations like CALM has never been greater. CALM reports that 18 people die by suicide every day in the UK, while the number of people contacting CALM for help has risen by 94% since 2019. CALM is working to change the conversation around suicide, provide support to people who are struggling and ultimately help people see that suicide is not their only option.

🏃‍♀️ And then there's the running...

There will be around 18,000 people taking part, which, if I'm completely honest, makes me VERY nervous! 😬

I’m much more comfortable doing my own thing and running my own route, so lining up amongst thousands of other runners in the middle of London is going to push me well and truly outside my comfort zone. But I’m determined to do it.

The 13.1-mile course starts in Hyde Park and takes runners through four of London’s Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens.

Along the way, I’ll run past some of London’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall. The route also takes us along The Mall twice before finishing in front of the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall.

It sounds incredible… and slightly terrifying! 😂

But every mile will have a purpose.

Every training run, every tired leg, every moment when I wonder what on earth I’ve signed myself up for, will remind me why I’m doing this – for Oli, and for everyone who has struggled with suicidal thoughts or lost someone they love.

💙 My target is £500

I would be incredibly grateful for any donation, no matter how small.

£1, £5, £10, £20 – whatever you can spare. Every single donation will help CALM continue its vital work supporting people in crisis, raising awareness and campaigning for change.

And if you can’t donate, simply sharing this page and helping me spread the message about CALM would mean so much.

I’m hoping that on 11th October, when those 13.1 miles feel tough, I’ll remember that I’m running for something much bigger than myself.

For Oli. For his family. For everyone who needs to know that they are not alone. And for a future where fewer families have to experience the pain of losing someone to suicide.

Thank you so much for reading, supporting and sharing. 💙

Let’s see if we can reach £500 for CALM.

Every mile for Oli. 🏃‍♀️💙