I have the privilege of running the 2025 London marathon in memory of my little brother John Moody who sadly took his own life aged just 17 on 14th March 2020- just a week before lockdown. The day my whole family & his friend’s hearts absolutely shattered.

John truly was the best brother. The day mum told me she was pregnant with him I ran to the Argos catalogue to find baby bits to buy- I was so excited! We have always been so close, he was my sidekick helping me to wind up our older sister Jessica and our parents, but he was also the most caring boy. He was a keen cricketer, rugby player and footballer, but loved his food more than anything! He was studying plumbing at college and really enjoying it. He also loved his family so much- he was the life and soul of our family parties, he would always serve drinks with his random concoctions and at one family party he ended up drinking a whole bottle of baileys…you can imagine how that ended!

His last words that Saturday were to our sister Jessica, asking if she was ok. This is why mental health is so important to talk about- Joe Bilby (one of john’s best friends) put it perfectly- ‘The mental health mask is a black beauty as I like to say, so amazing how someone can hide how they are really feeling with a smile, but the dark side is deep down they feel suicidal, it's a scary concept which shows how important it is to talk about things’.

I was inspired by two of John’s amazing friends, Joe Bilby (mentioned above) who ran the London Marathon for John in 2023 and Brandon Collard who ran the London landmarks half marathon last year. Two brave young men taking on huge challenges in the name of mental health is utterly inspiring and I knew I wanted to do something too. John would have LAUGHED so much if he was here to hear that I, his sister who loves a night out and a total non-runner, am going to run a marathon. That is why I thought what a perfect way to honour him. He loved to laugh!!

MIND Charity won't give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. By donating, you can help to ensure that no one has to go through a mental health problem alone.

Running 26.2 miles is nothing compared to the pain you would have faced John, so this is for you baby brother- we all miss you more than you can imagine. I hope this makes you smile & I will have a baileys for you at the finish line 💖