I’m running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Grief Encounter on the tenth anniversary of my dad’s passing.

Ten years on, the loss hasn’t gone away. Life has moved forward, but he’s still there in my thoughts every day.

My dad was funny, kind, and a big piss taker. He didn’t take himself too seriously and made things lighter for the people around him. That’s what I miss most, his presence in the everyday moments of life.

Losing him when I was young shaped me in ways I probably didn’t understand at the time. Grief isn’t something you finish dealing with, it’s something you grow alongside. As a child, that’s especially hard to do without the right support.

Grief Encounter helps children and families navigate loss with care and understanding, giving them space to talk, to feel, and to make sense of what’s happened.

This run is for my dad and for children who are currently experiencing loss themselves. If you’re able to donate, you’ll be helping support families at a time when they need it most.

Thank you for reading and for any support you can give.