Earlier this year, within the space of a month, I lost two friends who each left a lasting mark on me, as well as everyone who knew them. Both Sam and Jon were both taken from us, far too young.

❤️ Jon Devereux (28) tragically passed away on May 11 2025 while running Bristol half marathon, just two weeks before he was set to be best man at his brother Tom's wedding. I played rugby with Jon and had the pleasure of calling him a friend. He was the kind of person who could light up any room and had a unique charisma that so many warmed to. Ask anyone who knew him, and they’d tell you what a great bloke he was to be around - you could mention his name in any bar in Newcastle, and I'm sure someone in there would have a nice word to say about him. A memorial fund has been set up by the family to help CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death through supporting CRY’s screening programme.

💙 Sam Gardiner (24) and the Gardiner family, are all but family to me, and my girlfriend Ellie. Sam tragically passed after his car came off the road on May 26 2025. Sam was born with FASD and was later adopted by Jo, one of the warmest, kindest and most caring people I’ve met, whose love and devotion helped Sam thrive despite an unfair start to life. Things could have very easily been very different for Sam and through Jo and the Gardiner family's love and guidance, Sam lived his life to the absolute fullest. Sam brought fun, warmth, and light to every room, and on many occasions laughter, even if at his own expense. Sam's stint living on the other side of the world in Sydney was evidence of his love for travel and reaching out of his comfort zone. In his memory, I want to also raise awareness and funds for National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder FASD chosen by Sam's family, to help others living with the condition.

To honour Sam and Jon, I’m taking on the challenge of running 100 km across November, then on Sunday 30th of November I will be finishing my challenge with an additional 21.1km half marathon, to help Jon finish the race he never got to complete.

This challenge, and partaking in Movember, is my way of ensuring Jon and Sam’s memories live on - by supporting causes nominated by their families that reflect their lives, their struggles, and the joy and love they shared with the people around them.

All donations raised on this page will be split equally (50/50) between the two causes above. I’ll share the donation receipts at the end of the month so you can see exactly how your generosity has been distributed.

Stay posted for some suspicious Moustache updates and to see how I'm doing with my running challenge.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity.

Jonny