I’m running the Barcelona Half Marathon on the 15th of February for Headway.

This year, I will be running in the Barcelona Half Marathon to raise funds for Headway Edinburgh, an incredible charity that supports adults with acquired brain injuries, as well as their families and carers.

In August, we lost our beautiful Kyle. Headway Edinburgh supported him with his brain injury, and the care, understanding, and compassion they showed made a real difference not just to Kyle, but to his family and loved ones around him.

Kyle and I grew up together, from nursery, to living very close by, attending the same primary, right through to high school. Our families were close friends, so he was always part of my life.

My Mum describes her & Kyle’s Mum’s friendship as being built on an understanding that even when life took them in different directions over the years they were forever bonded by those early years - knee deep in toddlers and family life after meeting at Kyle and I’s nursery.

That friendship remained through years of nursery picnics, school committees, assemblies, Christmas fairs, picnics, sports days, birthday parties and growing up.

From Kyle's Mum, Kim. "Once Kyle engaged with Headway he attended when he was well enough. It offered a safe place for him to chat to others that potentially understood what he was going through. He had access to counsellors to chat with. He used to talk about their weekly quizzes and gym sessions. Loved the trips they went on. If I ever spoke to them on the phone they always asked if I was doing ok and reminded me that I could pop in anytime and they were there if I needed support. I visited a few times, mostly to chat and was coaxed into playing a game with them, it had a lovely warm, welcoming feel from staff and individuals attending and believe its a very valuable resource for anyone eligible to attend. Kyle loved talking about his time there and always had empathy for the people around him. I can’t thank them enough for all their support. If Kyle was absent they would always call to check in on him."

Headway Edinburgh’s mission is all about helping people rebuild their lives after brain injury. Through their Day Support programme, members take part in a wide range of rehabilitation activities from Monday to Thursday, including sessions in a large recreational rehab suite, a well-equipped gym, and regular outings that promote confidence, independence, and connection.

Just before I moved to Barcelona I went with my family to say goodbye to Kyle at the most beautiful service organised by his family. Their dignity and courage was everything in the midst of their terrible heartbreak. I have loved chatting with Kyle’s Mum Kim about this half marathon.