Nick Gerrish is fundraising
Running for Jolly Ollie - London Marathon 2026
In loving memory of our son, Oliver James Gerrish
Why I'm Running?
On 7th April 2024, our beautiful son, Oliver James Gerrish—affectionately known as “Jolly Ollie”—was born. Tragically, just one day later, on 8th April 2024, our dear Oliver entered heaven as he peacefully passed away in our arms. His time with us was painfully short, but his life was filled with immeasurable love, beauty, and purpose. From the moment we knew he existed, he became the centre of our world. We celebrated every kick, every scan, every tiny milestone. His nickname, “Jolly Ollie,” came from a scan photo where he looked like the happiest little soul with a smile on his face. That joy, that light, never left him—and it never will.
Oliver was diagnosed shortly after birth with HIE (Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy)—a severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen. It’s a condition that affects around 50 babies each week in the UK, and in many cases, like Oliver’s, the outcome is devastating. There are no words to fully describe the helplessness, the love, the heartbreak of watching your newborn fight for life while knowing you may have to say goodbye.
In those sacred hours with him, both painful and precious, we held him, kissed him, and told him how very much he’s loved. We are forever grateful to be his parents.
Now, I’m running the London Marathon 2026 for Oliver. Nothing will ever fill the void he’s left, but we will always choose to celebrate his short, yet impactful, life. I want his name—Jolly Ollie—to be a light in the darkness for other families like ours.
Why Shooting Star Children’s Hospices?
In the midst of the most heartbreaking experience of our lives, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices wrapped us in compassion and care.
Their work is profoundly humane, and it is desperately needed.
Every Step for Ollie
Running this marathon is not just a challenge, it’s a tribute.
Each mile is for Oliver—for his little life that changed ours forever.
It’s for the families clinging to hope in hospital corridors.
It’s for the parents who are handed memory boxes instead of baby grows.
It’s for love that comes in tiny footprints and never truly leaves.
If you want to support me, know that you’re not just helping me run.
Thank you for reading, giving, and remembering our Jolly Ollie with us.
With all our love, Nick, Bailey and little brother James xx
#RunningForOliver #JollyOllie #ShootingStarHospices
Why I'm Running?
On 7th April 2024, our beautiful son, Oliver James Gerrish—affectionately known as “Jolly Ollie”—was born. Tragically, just one day later, on 8th April 2024, our dear Oliver entered heaven as he peacefully passed away in our arms. His time with us was painfully short, but his life was filled with immeasurable love, beauty, and purpose. From the moment we knew he existed, he became the centre of our world. We celebrated every kick, every scan, every tiny milestone. His nickname, “Jolly Ollie,” came from a scan photo where he looked like the happiest little soul with a smile on his face. That joy, that light, never left him—and it never will.
Oliver was diagnosed shortly after birth with HIE (Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy)—a severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen. It’s a condition that affects around 50 babies each week in the UK, and in many cases, like Oliver’s, the outcome is devastating. There are no words to fully describe the helplessness, the love, the heartbreak of watching your newborn fight for life while knowing you may have to say goodbye.
In those sacred hours with him, both painful and precious, we held him, kissed him, and told him how very much he’s loved. We are forever grateful to be his parents.
Now, I’m running the London Marathon 2026 for Oliver. Nothing will ever fill the void he’s left, but we will always choose to celebrate his short, yet impactful, life. I want his name—Jolly Ollie—to be a light in the darkness for other families like ours.
Why Shooting Star Children’s Hospices?
In the midst of the most heartbreaking experience of our lives, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices wrapped us in compassion and care.
- They provide vital end-of-life and bereavement support for families who are facing what no family ever should.
- They care for over 800 families each year across London and Surrey.
- They support babies and children with life-limiting conditions, and those who have died.
- They offer end-of-life care, respite, counselling, memory-making, and a place where grief is held gently and without judgment.
Their work is profoundly humane, and it is desperately needed.
Every Step for Ollie
Running this marathon is not just a challenge, it’s a tribute.
Each mile is for Oliver—for his little life that changed ours forever.
It’s for the families clinging to hope in hospital corridors.
It’s for the parents who are handed memory boxes instead of baby grows.
It’s for love that comes in tiny footprints and never truly leaves.
If you want to support me, know that you’re not just helping me run.
- You’re helping a grieving family find solace.
- You’re helping a baby find peace in their final moments; and
- You’re helping love endure.
Thank you for reading, giving, and remembering our Jolly Ollie with us.
With all our love, Nick, Bailey and little brother James xx
#RunningForOliver #JollyOllie #ShootingStarHospices
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