Losing a parent shouldn’t mean losing a childhood. This is the reality for thousands of children in the US and UK each year.

In the UK, 26,900 parents die each year, meaning a parent dies every 20 minutes on average. In the US, 1 in 12 children will lose a parent or sibling by age 18.

My mother lost her father when she was only 12, so I have learnt firsthand how hard it is for a child so young to lose a parent.

In 2022, Nick and Nancy Hungerford started Elizabeth's Smile - inspired by their daughter, Elizabeth - to help millions of children who will lose a parent to terminal illness.

Sadly Nick Hungerford died on 6th July, so to support Nancy, and all the families Elizabeth's Smile hopes to reach, I'll be taking on a 45 day running challenge. I will be completing 45 runs, 7 of which will be marathons.

Why 45 days? Nick co-founded the investment platform Nutmeg in 2011. The idea was famously rejected 45 times in a row by funders, but the business was ultimately bought by JP Morgan in 2021 in a transaction that ensured the long term future of the business and of Nick's original vision.

45 has become a symbol of resilience, perseverance and never giving up.

I will be starting on September 15th and will be dedicating each marathon event to a special family associated with Elizabeth's Smile - details to follow in the coming weeks.

If you know someone impacted by the loss of a parent at a young age, or the cause resonates with you for another reason and you just want to help out, please consider giving generously to expand the reach of ES as they get started with this important work.

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About Elizabeth's Smile

Elizabeth's Smile is a nonprofit focused on conducting comprehensive research and building innovative programs to support both grieving children and their caregivers. Our current resources include:

Grief Guides, online and print resources to help those close to a grieving child understand how best to provide support.

The Basics of Grief break down what one needs to know when trying to support a grieving child. Topics include children's understanding of death at different ages, anticipatory grief, and how to prepare a child for a funeral.

The Smile Network, a secure online community that provides a space for children and the people around them (parents, friends, colleagues, and family) to connect, share experiences, and find support. This platform offers immediate and long-term benefits for children as they navigate life.

Visit elizabeth.org to learn more.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.