We’re three cousins who are running our first ever half marathons together to raise funds for the Army Widows Association, a charity close to our family after our dad (Matheson and Angel) / uncle (Dylan) was killed in action serving in Iraq, August 2003. This year marks 21years since Matt was killed and so we’re going to run 21km as the AWA celebrate 20years of supporting widows here in the UK.

None of us are runners, and this is going to be a challenge for us all! Especially Matheson who broke his foot earlier year, Dylan as he navigates running as a type one diabetic and Angel - well just because she’s the baby of the group 😇

Matt loved his work in the Royal Military Police and was a proud family man. His wife Raqual (our mum / aunty) is the very proud Chair of the Trustees for the Army Widows Association, and we’re all very proud of her (and him!).

Each of us have different memories of Matt, with Dylan being fortunate to be the eldest and having been “the first born” (and although Matt was his uncle, he was always treated like a son), Matheson has pictures and memories of falling in love with Liverpool FC like his dad too. And sadly, Angel never met her dad (as she was born in the January after he was killed) - however, has grown to have her own memories and experiences of his love through all the family. Matt though is a part of our daily lives and we are each proud to have been loved by him, and to love him still today.

We are nervous, excited and proud to be running the half marathon at the Great Scottish Run 2024 in memory of Major Matthew Harper-Titchener for the Army Widows Association.

You can follow our progress and updates on Instagram - @theharpercousins