I’m running the Altrincham 10K in memory of my dad, Stephen - and to raise money for NW Hearts Charity

On Wednesday 24th July 2024, my world was turned upside down. At 9:19am, I received a phone call from the police to say that my dad, Stephen, had suffered a cardiac arrest on the Metrolink on his way to work and had sadly passed away.

It was so sudden, so unexpected, and I never got to say goodbye. I just remember falling to the floor, screaming, as my husband Matt took the phone to speak to the officer.

At the time, I was just three months postpartum with our second child. The last 10 months have been filled with heartbreak and grief and I also navigated being a mother of 2 and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss my dad deeply.

Now, I want to turn this pain into something positive by running the Altrincham 10K on 7th September 2025 in his memory. I’m raising money for NW Hearts Charity, who help fund life-saving cardiac equipment for Wythenshawe Hospital and surrounding areas. It’s a cause close to our hearts, and one that could help prevent other families from experiencing the loss we live with every day.

I’m not a runner , this will be a huge challenge for me. But if I can survive 2024, I know I can do anything.

I won’t be running alone. My incredible husband Matt who has been my rock through everything will be right by my side, just like he has been every step of the way. I’ll also be running with one of my best friends, Shona, who heartbreakingly lost her dad to cancer just a few months after I lost mine. She’ll be running for Macmillan, and we’ll be doing it together, side by side.

Every step I take will be for my dad — with grief, love, and pride in my heart.

Thank you so much for reading, and if you’re able to donate, we’d be so grateful. Every penny helps.

Shannon x