A decade after losing our mum to alcoholism, we’ve decided to challenge ourselves in her memory by taking on the Nacoa 10K as complete beginner runners — 10 years, 10 kilometres, one challenge that feels deeply personal to us both.

We’re starting this journey during Mental Health Awareness Month, because addiction and mental health struggles affect far more than just the individual. They leave a lasting impact on entire families, something we know firsthand.

As two sisters from a Punjabi family, this is something we have quietly carried and hidden for many years. Alcohol misuse and the effect it has on families is far more prominent within Punjabi communities than many people openly speak about, yet there is still a huge stigma around discussing it honestly. Too many families struggle behind closed doors, and too many children grow up feeling isolated by experiences they cannot talk about.

After 10 years, we want to use our voices to help break some of that silence — and to help break the generational cycle that addiction and unresolved trauma can create within families and communities.

We are fundraising for Nacoa, a charity that provides vital support, understanding, and hope to people affected by a parent’s drinking.

Neither of us are runners, so this challenge will push us far outside our comfort zones, but we are determined to do it together — one step at a time.

If you’re able to donate, share our page, or support us along the way, we would be incredibly grateful.

Thank you for helping us turn something painful into something positive ❤️