Two years ago, I lost my friend Ollie to suicide.

On 3rd May, I’ll be running the Newcastle-Gateshead marathon in his memory.

Ollie loved football and, like many people, that love gradually led him into betting. Over time it developed into a serious gambling addiction.

When he recognised he had a problem, he did the right things. He sought help, received treatment and signed up to GamStop, the UK’s self-exclusion scheme.

But there is a serious gap in the system. Offshore gambling sites outside UK regulation actively target people who have self-excluded, advertising themselves as “Not on GamStop”. Many promote themselves through Google and social media, making them easy to find for people trying to quit. Ollie encountered these sites during the final months of his life.

What makes Ollie’s story particularly hard is that alongside his own struggles, he spent years helping others with gambling addiction by providing counselling and support.

I’m raising money for Betknowmore UK, a charity providing peer support and education for people affected by gambling harm.

If you’re able to donate or share the page, I’d be very grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read this.