On the 12th October 2025, I will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in order to raise money for Demelza House in memory of my beautiful Goddaughter Élodie Lilly Blackhall who sadly passed away on the 2nd June 2025. This challenge is a small way in which I can say thank you to the incredible team at Demelza House in Sittingbourne for everything they did to support Élodie and her family and for the love and care they showed her throughout.

In January 2023, at only 2 and a 1/2 years old, Élodie was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease which is an extremely rare genetic disorder that mainly affects babies and young children. Due to a build up of protein in the brain, it stops the nerves working properly. Sadly, there is nothing that can be done to prevent this fatal condition.

Élodie was only 4y 10m old when she went to sleep for the last time, wrapped in the arms of her devoted mummy and daddy. She was a beautiful little girl who was deeply loved and cared for, who brought joy to those who were blessed with having her in their life and it was a privilege to be her godmother. She was always happy and smiling, she loved being read to, listening to music, being outside, seeing the animals at the farm, going on long walks and refusing to go to sleep and especially being a big sister to her little brother Alfred! Sadly, life changed dramatically for her following her diagnosis but those around her who loved her beyond measure ensured she didn’t miss out or go a day without knowing just how loved she was.

This race for me will not be about getting fit, getting a good time, etc, it will be about saying thank you to those who work exceptionally hard every day to bring light to people in moments of darkness and to remember my beautiful, happy, kind and loving little god daughter who I love dearly and always will.

If you are able to spare anything for this great cause, I would be truly grateful. Thank you!