When Lucas very suddenly passed away in September 2023 from meningitis, it was extraordinarily difficult to get our heads around what had happened, we have never experienced this kind of heartbreaking grief before. “Coping” with the loss of a brother, son, and incredible friend like Lucas looks completely different for everyone. For his wonderful family, it has taken the form of a brand new charity which embodies everything Lucas stood for and with fundraising efforts, will dedicate its service to helping young people from our island to have better futures, as well as teaching the core values that made up the man, Love, Optimism, Ambition, Dedication and Selflessness. Looky’s aid is a creation that I’m certain will give his friends and family purpose for many generations to come, and create opportunities for many people who deserve them, he would be so proud.

On a personal note, when Lucas passed, I found myself concentrating on running, as it provided a headspace that was difficult to find in the midst of the unprecedented grief, and has helped me tremendously to compartmentalize what has been going on. With his tight knit friend group being privileged enough to know the man so well, I know that he wants us to continue to actively strive to make the best of our lives, and through finding my love for running, I can feel as though I’m doing something he would be proud of too.

On the 1st of September 2024 a group of Lucas’ closest friends have pledged to take part in a group marathon, consisting of a continuous relay type of layout. Some may be running 2 miles, some running 10 miles and some may even complete the full 26, but whatever they choose to undertake, it will be both a personal endeavor to perhaps push themselves to something they never thought they’d do, but also to come together to complete something amazing in the name of our dearly missed friend, Lucas.

Over the next 20 weeks or so, my hopes are that you will be hearing from some of our athletes, how their training is progressing and what this may mean to them individually, I hope this may provide some purpose and some comfort just as it has done for me to the people who miss Lucas every single day.

The funds raised from this event will be going towards keeping Looky’s memory alive through Looky’s Aid and with the support and involvement of our wonderful community I hope we can have a great day and some fun too!