Why I'm running

I'll be running in memory of my older sister Claire, who unexpectedly passed away in February 2023, aged 36.

Claire was always full of life and a real 'pocket rocket'. She loved running and was extremely competitive - much quicker than me!

During the last few years of her life she suffered with multiple health issues. A significant foot operation hampered her physical health, and issues with sleeping medication affected her mentally.

Anyone that knows my family will know how close we are, and Claire played a pivotal role in that. Her death has affected us all enormously and she is in our thoughts every single day. Whilst she can no longer run, I took up running for her and to navigate my own grief. It's helped to give me a purpose and it's been fulfilling to know I am raising money for some amazing causes.

Since Claire's passing, I have since completed the Great North Run, the Rome Marathon and Race to the King (100km ultra-marathon) all in her memory.

Grief can be extremely lonely at times. No one else knows what you are going through and the world keeps moving forward, when you don't want it to. So I immediately felt a connection after stumbling across the Sibling Support Instagram page shortly afterwards. There are other people going through the the same thing as you, which whilst isn't nice, it can be comforting.

When the opportunity arose to raise money for the charity I couldn't say no, and so am honoured to be running the London Marathon for a cause that helps younger people who have also lost loved ones. I really hope to be a role model for others and to show that you can use grief in a positive way.

Thank you for reading. Any donation will be hugely appreciated and will spur me on to complete the marathon next year 💖

Who are Sibling Support?

Sibling Support believe's that siblings are overlooked when it comes to grief, so we help them, and those around them, navigate their way through tough times.

Every year around 4,000 young people die in the UK before they’ve had a chance to live their lives to the fullest. Beside many of those is a sibling.

The death of a sibling at any age is detrimental.

Your donations will help create a world where every bereaved sibling can find strength and joy through compassionate support.