I’m Running the London Marathon in Memory of My Brother, James

On 27 April 2025, I’ll be running the London Marathon in honour of my eldest brother, James, and to raise vital funds for James’ Place—a charity my parents founded after James’ tragic death.

At just 21 years old, James fell into a rapid and devastating suicidal crisis. With no prior history of mental health struggles, it took everyone by complete surprise. In just 10 days, he went from being a confident, happy young man to tragically taking his own life. Despite his efforts to seek help, he was let down by a system that failed to provide the urgent support he needed.

James’ Place exists to fill the gap that let James down. Their mission is simple but vital: to stop men dying by suicide.

Why James’ Place Matters

Suicide is the single leading cause of death for men under 35 in the UK. James’ Place offers free, professional therapy for men experiencing suicidal crisis in Liverpool, London, and Newcastle, with plans to open many more centres across the UK.

They make the process of getting help as quick and easy as possible, with no waiting list, providing a safe, supportive space for men to dismantle their crisis and find hope for the future. They’ve helped 3,100 men, and I want to help them save even more.

Why This Means So Much to Me

James was brave, outgoing, talented, and mischievous—a loving big brother and a natural leader. As the eldest of our pack, he was the one I looked up to, respected, and relied on.

Eighteen years ago, our world was turned upside down when James made the devastating decision to end his life. It still feels like yesterday. The pain of his loss is something my family and I will carry forever.

What makes it harder is knowing his death could have been prevented. James was failed by a system that didn’t recognise the urgency of his crisis or provide the right support at the right time.

This is why James’ Place was created—so that no family has to endure what we did.

How Your Support Helps

I’m aiming to raise £15,000—or more! Your donations will directly fund life-saving interventions, and here’s how your generosity could make an impact:

£15 funds the first conversation with a man in suicidal crisis, providing the first step in his recovery.

£50 covers an initial assessment for a man in crisis within two working days of him seeking help.

£110 pays for a therapy session in a safe and welcoming environment.

£250 enables an outreach session in a workplace or community setting, reaching more men in need.

£850 funds a therapist for a week, supporting 20 men in crisis.

£1,800 supports one man through James’ Place’s life-saving intervention, helping him find hope and a way forward.

Every penny you give will help James’ Place continue its incredible work and reach even more men in desperate need.

Help Me Make a Difference

I’ll be training hard and running my heart out for James and for every man who might otherwise face a suicidal crisis alone. James would expect nothing less from me, so I’m determined to make him proud!

Please, if you can, donate to my fundraising efforts and help James’ Place save lives. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.

Thank you so much for your support.

Together, we can honour James’ memory and ensure more men find hope and a way forward.

Thank you,

Louisa x