Since 2017, I have, in various ways supported The Bodie Hodges Foundation alongside friends and colleagues. The Bodie Hodges Foundation is a Leicester-based charity committed to helping families rebuild their lives after the devastating loss of a child. This year, I’m taking on a personal challenge in order to continue to support this wonderful charity.

This April, I will be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for The Bodie Hodges Foundation. This iconic race will take me on a 13.1-mile journey past some of London’s most historic landmarks, all while supporting a cause that is incredibly important and impactful. For those of you who know me, you know that's a long way for me!

The foundation was established in 2012 by Nick and Donna Hodges after the tragic loss of their ten-month-old son, Bodie. Their vision is to provide a range of services that support grieving families and encourage them to rebuild and remember.

The Bodie Hodges Foundations offers a range of services and support, including:

Bodie’s Bereavement Service: Offering one-to-one bereavement counseling and peer support groups for families during the first two years after the loss of a child aged 18 and under.

Bodie’s Treasured Memory Bags: Provides resources to siblings grieving the loss of a brother or sister, helping them express and process their emotions.

Organ Donation Awareness: Promotes education and awareness about organ donation and its life-changing impact.

The loss of a child is unimaginable, and the foundation's work ensures that no family grieves alone. Your contributions can make a real difference and below are some examples of how many raised can help:

£8 funds a Worry Bear Boo for bereaved siblings.

£15 Worry kit which includes A Worry Bear Boo, Huge Bag of worries picture book, post it notes and a pen.

£20 Could fund art materials used in our support sessions provided to children and families to express their grief.

£30 covers a one-to-one counseling session for a parent or sibling.

£60 Could fund a Treasured Memory Bag, a resource sent out to siblings bereaved of a brother or sister, helping them to express and understand their grief and record precious memories.

£120 Could fund 4 bereavement support sessions for an adult or child.

£240 Could fund a monthly social activity for our dads’ group.

£550 Could support resources and trips for our #TogetherProject youth group

£900 Could fund bereavement support for a child for one year.

I’m aiming to raise £750 (and hopefully much more!) by running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2025. Every penny counts and will go directly to helping families during their most challenging times.

You can support my journey by:

1. Making a donation through JustGiving.

2. Sharing this campaign with your friends and family.

3. Cheering me on as I train and race in April!

Thank you for your generosity and support