My mother, Paula, sadly passed away 22 years ago today when I was 20. To mark this occasion, next Sunday I will be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon raising money for the excellent charity Alcohol Change UK - Mummy Lavery, although no longer with us you will be loved until the seas run dry.

My mother had long suffered from the crippling disease, alcoholism, for many years before she passed away. My brothers and I witnessed a lot over the years, much of it not suitable for children. But our saving grace was our father, who helped us and protected us from so much, as well as having to watch his wife endure this horrific disease.

Sadly so many children are missing their protectors and for various reasons are enduring unsuitable and painful situations on their own with no one to turn to. Every little person deserves a childhood and a protector.

If anyone reading this is in a position to donate any money to this brilliant charity, I would be overwhelmed and it’ll make the run that little bit easier.

About Alcohol Change UK

We are Alcohol Change UK. We work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.

We are not anti-alcohol; we are for alcohol change. We are for a future in which people drink as a conscious choice, not a default; where the issues which lead to alcohol problems like poverty, mental health issues, homelessness are addressed; where those of us who drink too much, and our loved ones, have access to high-quality support whenever we need it, without shame or stigma.

Your donations can help by:

* £20 could support around 20 people reduce their drinking through the Dry January® challenge.

* £30 could help us develop and deliver more training for front line workers and improve support for dependent drinkers.

* £40 could cover the costs of supporting 16 people for six months to reduce their drinking through our Try Dry® app.