When I decided to take part in the Meldon Viaduct abseil back in March, it was to fulfil a promise I had made to Joshua, and to raise funds for the RMA. I was just 17 weeks into the agonising torture of losing him.

Whilst the amount of time passed has now doubled, the agony has not diminished, and the continued support given, and kindness shown to me by the RMA, and the wider RM Family, have been a lifeline, and that is why I am taking part in the Commando Training Challenge in the hope I might be able to once again raise funds for the incredible work the RMA do.

There is another reason I am doing this. As every mother knows, you are connected to your children, no matter what. Your unconditional love, and that special bond can never be broken. For me, taking part in the Challenge somehow helps keep that connection alive. I desperately wish Joshua was here to see it; I know he’d be encouraging me, and probably giving me advice.

I well remember watching him on Families Day, 30 January 2025, as he charged across bottom field, although it wasn’t easy to distinguish him from his soggy mud-covered pals as they lugged heavy logs, and each other, and scaled high walls.

Unlike Joshua, I am not by any stretch of the imagination a robust person, but what I lack in muscle I try to make up for in determination, which is why I am grateful to the gym that Joshua used to go to, Axminster Gym, who are allowing me to use their facility at no cost, and will help me prepare for the Challenge. I am also very grateful to RBS Scaffolding, where Joshua worked before he started his RM training, who have offered to help with the fundraising. I am aiming to raise £2100 which is £100 for each year of Joshua's life.

I’m doing this for Joshua, the RM Family, and for me, and because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

I hope to raise money so the RM Charity can continue with their incredible work:

RMA - The Royal Marines Charity is reliant on the generous support of our fundraisers to raise vital funds which enables us to continue to deliver the support to our beneficiaries where it is needed most. We offer lifelong support to the RM family: from our serving personnel to our veteran community and their wider families. This support is bespoke to the individual and covers all areas of support needs.

Thank you for choosing to support the RM family and helping us to make a difference.