In 2023, I lost my best friend, my partner and my son’s dad to suicide. That loss didn’t just change my life, it shattered the world I knew. It affected every part of my day-to-day life, from how i grieved, to how I was able to parent and re-framed how I started navigate a future without Michael in it.

In the aftermath, my own mental health was deeply affected. My world turned grey, lost all colour and meaning. There were days when simply getting through each day felt like an achievement. Running became a lifeline for me, a way to process emotions I couldn’t put into words, a space to breathe, to feel strong again, and to reconnect with myself when everything else felt out of control. It hasn’t fixed the pain, but it has helped me cope, heal, and keep moving forward. That’s why this run means so much more than just 13.1 miles. Grief isn’t something you “move on” from; it’s something you learn to carry, often quietly, while trying to keep going for the people who need you most, which was our son Jonah ❤️

Mind works tirelessly to ensure people don’t have to face their darkest moments alone. They provide vital support, raise awareness, and campaign for better mental health services — support that can make the difference between someone feeling hopeless and someone feeling heard.

I’m running for those we’ve lost, for those who are struggling right now, and for the families whose lives are forever changed by suicide. No child should live without their parent, or any parent without their child.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it would mean so much. Your support helps Mind continue their life-saving work and helps keep conversations about mental health open, honest, and compassionate.

Thank you for reading, for supporting this cause, and for helping to turn my loss into something that might help save lives ❤️