After a six-year battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, I lost my hero - my Dad - in June 2025. He was 65, and I was 28. I know I’m not a child anymore, but I still feel far too young to lose the man I looked up to all my life. That’s why my wonderful girlfriend and I have decided to raise funds for Grief Encounter. (More about the charity below.)

My Dad lost his own hero when he was around my age, and going through this has made me reflect not only on what he must have felt, but also on the pain that so many younger children experience when they lose someone so important. As the incredible father he was, he would be proud—not just that I’m running, but that we’re raising money to help children who are navigating something so unimaginably hard without their idols.

He came from humble beginnings in the heart of the East End of London, where he spent most of his life and met my amazing Mum. He was funny, generous, caring, and like so many from the area, he always put his family first. From teaching me to swim and ride a bike, to sharing his favourite sports (and, yes, passing down the lifelong burden of being a Tottenham fan), to showing me what hard work looks like—leaving the house at 5am every day to provide for us—he was everything a loving father should aim to be.

I’ll cherish the years we had together. But after nearly five months without him, I know I’m always going to miss him terribly.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Your support helps Grief Encounter provide therapy, workshops, family days, and other vital services to bereaved children and young people as they rebuild their lives after losing someone close. Together, we can bring hope, comfort, and brighter days.