Aaron Matcham

Aaron's Fundraiser for Headway - In Memory of Brad

Fundraising for Headway - the brain injury association
£1,380
raised of £1,000 target
Donations cannot currently be made to this page
Valley of the Owls Marathon, 11 June 2023
We provide UK-wide support and information to improve life after brain injury

Story

I am running my first (and hopefully last!) marathon in memory of Brad on 11th June 2023.

He has been gone and greatly missed for 4 years and not a day goes by that he is not thought of by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was the victim of an unprovoked attack where one punch caused unrecoverable injuries. He put up a great battle, however after 8 days in a coma a fatal bleed on the brain meant we had to make the awful decision to turn off his life support.

Bradley was such a kind and gentle person and following a promotion at work was enjoying a few celebratory drinks when the incident happened. This is another sad case that the greatest amongst us are the first to leave us.

At 24 he had most of his life ahead of him, from travelling to starting a family. He might of even got to see his beloved Bolton Wonderers back in the Premier League!

But all of that has been taken away from him and also those around him no longer get to enjoy his infectious company. On a personal note it pains to think that I will never be an uncle.

Unfortunately I can't rewind the clock and undo the horrific events but what I can do is help those suffering the same as Brad and support the friends and family like us who will forever be grieving.

Training has been ongoing for 3 months and without tempting fate its been going well up till now.

The marathon is still a few weeks away and a lots more miles to get through. But there is a burning determination to run and run well, my target is to be under 4 hours, as each time I put on my running shoes I remind myself why I am doing it.

Every stitch, tired legs or soreness the next day doesn't compare to the pain of losing Brad nor the feeling shared by other families who see their loved ones suffering from a brain illness.

That is why I can think of no better cause then Headway to raise money for. Their work in supporting those with brain injuries and their families is amazing. They fund helplines, cover emergency travel costs, provide vital information and research and lots lots more.

Such a cliche I know but every donation really does help, the awareness that Headway gives might even make others think twice before turning to violence and keep a family intact.

If you aren't able to donate then please share my page, someone else might be able to. Lets really push to make the £1000 achievable!

Please also remember to add the gift-aid where possible!!

Thank you so much for reading my page, it really does mean a lot and I will keep up my training and try and make the 26.2 miles as painless as possible!

About the charity

EVERY 90 SECONDS someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury (ABI). There are many possible causes, such as a fall, a road traffic accident, an assault, a tumour or a stroke. A brain injury can happen to anyone, at any time. When it does, we're here to help

Donation summary

Total raised
£1,380.00
+ £278.75 Gift Aid
Online donations
£1,380.00
Offline donations
£0.00

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