1 in 5 children or young people aged 18-25 are carers.


- Almost 50% of young adult carers experience a mental health condition because of their caring role.

- And around 30% of young adult carers drop out of school or college due to the pressures of caring.

Supporting young carers is a cause incredibly close to my heart - and to my friend Alice, who became a carer for her mum at just 16 years old.

Alice was a dear friend to our whole friendship group, and one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever known. Behind her strength, she carried a huge responsibility at such a young age. Despite her school, GP, college and university knowing about her caring responsibilities, she wasn’t given the support she deserved until the age of 23.

The responsibility of caring for a parent is immense. It changes you. It can affect every part of your life - your education, your opportunities, and your wellbeing.

In September 2024, Alice tragically passed away. She was just 26.

Young carers deserve better. Alice deserved better.

I’ll be running the London Marathon 2026 in Alice’s honour, raising money for Barnardo’s - who provided her with the care and guidance she had needed for so long.

Barnardo’s supports hundreds of thousands of children, young people, parents and carers across the UK. They never give up on a child because of who they are or what they’ve been through. They listen, fight for their rights, and stand by them to make sure every child has the chance at a happy, healthy life.

Please join me in remembering our wonderful friend Alice - and in standing up for the young carers who are still out there, feeling unseen and unsupported.

No child should feel alone in what they’re going through.

💚 Any donation, big or small, will make a real difference - helping Barnardo’s to continue giving children and young carers the support they desperately need.