I am taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, in aid of Samaritans and also in memory of my Dad, Garry.

This charity is close to my heart, having felt first hand the effects suicide can have after loosing my Dad to suicide in September 2025.

My Dad was outwardly happy and always joking about. I did not know he was struggling. Sometimes, it is the happiest person in the room you least suspect.

I decided I wanted to run this half marathon to raise money for Samaritans. And also to raise awareness of suicide, and encourage everyone to start talking. It is ok to not be ok, and there is no shame in asking for help. Asking for help is not giving up, it is refusing to. My goal is to help others who feel like my Dad did. I now believe he did not want to die, he just wanted the unimaginable pain he was going through, to stop. I couldn’t save him. But maybe his story could save someone else.

Life can be tough. Sometimes it feels like nobody else understands. If it’s all getting too much to handle you can talk to Samaritans. They won’t  judge or tell you what to do. They’re there to listen so no-one has to face tough times alone. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans answers a call for help. Samaritans can be contacted round the clock, for free, on 116 123, day or night, 365 days a year. It’s only your donations and 23,000 listening volunteers that make sure Samaritans can be there for someone today, so they can believe in tomorrow.

Please, please donate if you can. It is greatly appreciated.

Please share this with everyone

And please, get talking. Reach out for help if you are struggling, and check in on your family and friends. Even if they do seem okay. You matter. Your important. Your loved. And your presence on this earth makes a difference whether you see it or not. You are not alone 💚