On the 16th of October, 2008 and at the age of 14, I very suddenly lost my dad to a heart attack. Whilst I remember every detail about that day, it’s only been in recent years in which I have felt comfortable talking about what happened and how it affected me. My dad instilled in me a love for sport and fitness and it’s why I’ve pushed myself to take on many different challenges in order to raise money for some wonderful charities and also remember the wonderful person that was my Dad. This time around is no different as I hope to go one better than Ironman Wales in 2022 and not only take on another Iron Distance Triathlon, but my first ever Ultra Marathon of 43 miles within a few months of each other!

WHY WINSTONS WISH?

The last 2 years working in a secondary school as a PE teacher, I work with students on a regular basis who have gone through similar traumatic experiences that may not necessarily have the support systems in place to help them deal with what has happened to them. Whilst I never initially didn’t really talk about what happened to me, I hope to help students understand that talking about what has happened to them can go a long way to helping them grieve. Whilst I hope to be that member of staff that the students feel as though they can talk to about their own experiences, wonderful charities such as Winston’s Wish can provide so much more fantastic support for young people going through bereavement.

Every day across the UK, children and young people lose someone significant to them. The death of someone important can be the most traumatic experience a child or young person will ever face.

Winston’s Wish relies on voluntary charitable donations to support children and their families following the death of a parent, sibling or important person. Since 1992, they have helped tens of thousands of bereaved children and young people and, with your help, can help tens of thousands more during the most difficult time of their lives.

£8 could provide a set of crafts and activities, including all of the materials needed to make a memory jar which serve as a reminder of special memories shared with their loved one.

£12 could enable us to provide one child with a memory box that can be used to store treasured objects, helping them to remember their loved one in a way that is personal to them.

£26 Could cover the cost of an online information session led by a Winston's Wish bereavement support worker.

Please give generously, your money can really make a difference for a young person who may need it!

Thank you!