I am running the London Marathon 2025 for Ty Hafan in memory of my Grandson, Arthur Harris. Arthur was born on 28th March 2024.

Arthur’s parents are Emily and Phil. Emily is my Stepdaughter. When Emily went into labour they dropped Arthur’s 1 year old brother, Frank, to our house on their way to the hospital. There was nothing to indicate what was to come.

When he was born Arthur was taken straight to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and he passed away the following day. We are still waiting for answers as to what caused Arthur’s life to be cut so terribly short. Emily and Phil, and us Grandparents (my Wife Jane, Emily’s Dad Andrew, and Phil’s parents Sue and Keith) will always cherish the time that we had with him and I hope that, in time, this will be of some comfort to Frank as we share memories and photographs of his Brother with him. Arthur will never meet his Uncle Ben who was in Australia at the time. I can deal with anything with Jane beside me but to see this happen to our child and her partner is indescribable.

Ty Hafan, and more precisely, Lou came into our lives at a time when we were trying to come to terms with events that we never imagined we would experience. She gave us advice, support, and understanding that we will always be grateful for. Lou helped us to simplify and resolve things at a terrible time in our lives. We have been to see Ty Hafan’s lovely facilities in Sully and the incredible support they are able to provide to families.

I enjoy running and when I run I often think about Arthur. I hope that running this London Marathon will also add to the gestures and symbols that go towards keeping Arthur’s memory alive.

I know that there are many great causes out there. When I ran the London Marathon in 2018 I raised money for Marie Curie following the amazing support they gave my Mum. In 2021 I was treated for prostate cancer and Prostate UK do some great work raising awareness and funding research. I have to mention 2wish as well for the things that they did for Emily, Phil, and Arthur in hospital and the ongoing support subsequently.

Sadly, most if not all of us, will have been touched by events that lead us to engage with great charities to a greater or lesser degree. These events remind us what is important in life.

Arthur has changed our lives forever. Of course he has had an impact on the wider family as well and I am grateful to them and also to friends and colleagues for your words and deeds of support; you know who you are.

Having had an insight into their amazing work I am pleased to be running for Ty Hafan and I would be very grateful if you can find a way to support me to support them achieve their ambition to make sure that no family in Wales faces their child’s short life on their own.

For Arthur, our little bear. x