In July of 2021 we lost one of the greatest lads to of ever walked the face of this earth, my baby baby brother David Robert Finnigan. Or simply "Dava". The memory of that day will stay in the minds of the unimaginable amount of people our Dava's life has touched. He was a force to be reckoned with. Such a great personality with a sense of humour like no other. He was loyal to a fault. The best friend you could ask for. The best Dad to his boys. The best brother you could wish for and with the exception of John, the best son out there.

If I had known that Saturday June 12th 2021 was going to be the last day I ever saw our Dava alive I would never have let him go. The last hug we shared was something I will never forget. He cried which is something he hadn't done when I was leaving since he was a kid. I knew something wrong but had I know idea of what was to come.

Him taking his life was the hardest and still is the hardest thing that I have ever experienced in my entire life. Both my mum and Dad, My sister and brother, myself, his kids, his nieces and nephews are still trying to make sense and come to terms with the events of that day. Why he did it we may never know.

What I do know is that there where contributing factors and to think that suicide is the only option that you have left is heart breaking. We live in a world now where mental health is acceptable and should be spoken about and not seen by anyone or to anyone as a weakness. God I wish he had spoken to me or anyone else. What I would give just to have that hug again. I would literally die for it.

Here we are approaching 5 years since he passed. His 40th birthday is this May 4th which we will be celebrating for him a week after the Marathon. I am 50 next year and have always wanted to run London before that mile stone. This is literally the only year I can do as I will be 50 by the time next years marathon comes around.

I am fortunate enough that I have been gifted a place. In return for this gift I would like to raise as much money as possible for The Open Door Charity. This is a charity which is extremely close to my heart. I know our Dava would be extremely proud that I am running this marathon in honour of him for Open Door. So please please please dig deep or give what you can. A little and a lot goes a long way.

Open Door are committed to providing free, fast and effective mental health support. Open Door exists to shape meaningful change in mental health by creating inclusive communities, joyful places and evidence-based programmes that empower people to be mentally well. What Open Door do first-hand in Merseyside, they share with others, inspiring change across the UK.

From all us Finnigan's and everyone at Open Door, Thank you in advance for your time to read this and donating to a great cause.

Dava Finnigan, we are Dreaming of you YNWA x