A half-marathon to help young people through loss

I'm running the Shakespeare Half on Sunday 24th April 2022 to help raise funds for and awareness of young people moving through loss.

In 2015 and 2020 both my parents died. I was 26 and 31, respectively. They were both events which changed mine and my siblings' lives irrevocably. In 2020, I looked for what support was out there for people around my age who had experienced these kind of life changes, as so often it felt difficult to speak about. And I stumbled up the non-profit, now registered charity, Let's Talk About Loss.

Aimed at 18-35 year olds, it provides support and resources for those moving through loss - whether it be the death of parents, siblings, children or other loved ones. It runs regional meet-up groups bringing individuals together to be around others who have some sort of shared experience, a book group focusing on works which deal with grief and loss, and online themed meet-ups (e.g. men talking about loss, mothers without mothers), among several other things. It is continually growing and exploring different ways to provide support and encourage discussion around this very difficult topic and needs funds and awareness in order to do so.

On a personal level, this charity has encouraged me to keep talking, sharing, writing and so much more. It has helped me feel far less lonely, even on the days that I don't want to talk. It has helped me to understand my own experiences, even when each experience is different for us all. It has helped me to channel what I have learned to support and talk with others.

In 2021, I started volunteering for LTAL as a Host Co-ordinator and Book Club Facilitator to become more involved in the charity's efforts. I want to keep raising awareness of not only those who have died, but of the challenges faced by those who are left behind, especially in those transitionary years of 18-35. I want other young people to know that they are not alone and don't have to feel lonely in their grief, and that it is not as taboo a subject as it so often seems.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. And thank you for helping to make it possible to keep talking about death, loss and grief.