Hi, my name is Mia Day. I'm 18 years old, and I lost my dad to heart failure in the early hours of New Year’s Day when I was just 16.

It felt like my whole world was falling apart, but I came to understand that my grief was completely normal and that it was okay to feel the way I did. After losing my dad, I found myself feeling jealous when my friends talked about doing things with their dad’s. It made me feel like mine had been taken from me far too soon.

Since losing my dad, I’ve faced ongoing struggles with my mental health and came to realise that support isn’t always offered—you often have to seek it out yourself at such a young age. I reached out for help through the NHS’s talking therapies, where I explored different types of treatment, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). These sessions, along with being prescribed medication, have played a crucial role in helping me cope with my trauma and begin to navigate my own healing process.

Through this journey, I’ve realised how limited the support is for young people dealing with grief—unless you seek it out. That’s why in April 2026, I’ll be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in memory of my dad, raising funds for It’s Time Charity. This incredible organisation supports young people who have lost a parent—just like I did.

Grief is still something I carry with me every day, but one thing I hold onto is the belief that my dad would be proud of the person I’m becoming. I was unbelievably lucky to have Peter Pan as my dad—a man full of magic, mischief, and endless love. I take each day as it comes, holding onto his humour, his spirit, and the joy he brought into every moment. His stories, his laughter, and everything he was will live on through me. As long as I’m here, I promise to keep his spirit alive and make sure the world never forgets the wonder that he was.

I’m running not only in honour of my dad, but also to raise awareness about the impact of grief on young adults. Any support is appreciated and every step I take is a tribute to the strength my dad showed—and the strength he passed on to me. Please help me keep moving forward, just like he would have.