Raising £10,000 for Alcohol Change UK in memory of my Mum, Zoe Toole

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My Mum struggled with alcohol abuse for as long as I can remember. Her addiction didn’t just ruin her life; it had a huge impact on me, my brothers and everyone around her in ways we probably still don’t understand.

I watched her lie, steal, cry, regret and embarrass herself more times than I can count. Yet, while this might not seem like someone who deserves sympathy or compassion, my Mum was the kindest soul I knew.

She cared for people when no one else did, stood up for those who weren’t brave enough to stand up for themselves and always wore her heart on her sleeve. She wasn't just a Mum to me – she was a friend. Someone I could talk to about anything, knowing she'd listen without judgment.

My Mum had her flaws, but I know underneath it all was a scared, lost child who found a friend in the bottle and never found the strength to part ways. And while she might not have been Mother Of The Year, she was the best Mum she knew how to be, which is all we can ask for.

She died just after Christmas in 2015. She was just 41 years old. It wasn’t the alcohol that killed her in the end, but to me, it’s still the reason she’s not here today.

I’ve always wondered if things might be different if she got the help she needed. That’s why I’m raising money for Alcohol Change UK in her honour, to help other families affected by alcohol abuse get the support they need before it’s too late.

In July 2024, I’ll run in the Midlands Tough Mudder 10K to raise £10,000 in her name. Any donations, no matter how small, will make a huge difference not only to me but to people all over the country relying on the work of Alcohol Change UK.

If you want to help but can’t afford to give anything right now, please share this page with your network to help us reach our target.

Thanks so much for your support.

Cain & Zoe