Noggins, my best man – everyone's best man.

In the end, it all got too much for him and he left a gaping hole in our lives on 9 February 2024.

He certainly packed a lot into his half-century and was adored by everyone who met him. An absolute one-off. Life and soul.

Noggins had this annoying habit of being brilliant at everything without even trying. For example, he rocked up late to run Coventry Half Marathon after a boozy night out – without any proper training and barely enough time to stub out his cigarette before the race started. He finished it in 89 minutes.

So, it seems like a fitting tribute to run the inaugural Custard Corner Marathon on Saturday 21 June 2025 in his honour and raise much-needed funds for Samaritans. Custard Corner is a tiny rectangle of yellow-painted tarmac in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, which I'll be running around for five, six, (seven?) hours until I reach the 26.2-mile distance.

Every 10 seconds, Samaritans volunteers respond to a call for help. Samaritans are available, for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to listen and support people with whatever they are facing, with no judgement. It’s only your kind donations and 23,000 listening volunteers that ensure Samaritans can always be there for anyone struggling to cope.

Please give what you can.

Much love

Beez