Alfie's Squad

For those who know me, you’ll know I love a challenge and pushing myself to try something new. You’ll also be pleased to hear that, for this one, I won’t be persuading friends and family to join in. This time, I’m going solo, so you’re off the hook! On the 5th April 2025 I’ve sign up for my first ever half marathon in Magaluf, I will be doing it to raise funds and awareness for charity Alfie’s Squad

On Christmas night I had a call from my aunt telling me my lovely 19 year old cousin had taken his own life earlier that day at his university accommodation. I couldn’t process it or come to terms that he was gone from our lives and to be honest it’s only just sinking in now.

He was a kind and caring young man, a bright student passionate about learning and helping other people, he had his whole future ahead of him. A couple of months before we had discussed him volunteering in the local community. Knowing me, I probably would have ended up coaxing him along to one of my adventures someday. But he’s not here, and his honour, I want to challenge myself to run a half marathon and I know he will be with me every step of the way

I’ve chosen to raise money for Alfie’s Squad, a charity already close to my heart through the work we do at Bay Tree Cookery Academy CIC. Alfie’s Squad provides a safe space for children and young people to access peer support after losing someone to suicide. What makes it unique is that it’s the only peer support group of its kind in the UK.

Up to 50 children and their families either travel for face to face sessions in Liverpool or meet up on the national online group set up by Alfie’s Squad. Through fun and engaging activities, they have the chance to build confidence, make friends, and feel less alone.

Not only are they helping to create positive experiences for families who are coping with this particular loss, but Alfie’s Squad is working to share the importance of peer support and the impact that can have to help prevent future loss.

My young cousin was at university, and between 2017 and 2020, 339 students in higher education across England and Wales took their own lives. That number is devastating. If we can help young people know now that they are not alone, maybe we can help reduce the number of suicides in the future.

It would mean the world to me if you could support my challenge and help Alfie’s Squad continue delivering its incredible work.

If you wouldn’t mind also including your email address if it asks for your contacts when donating, then we can look to gain even more money through gifts aid at no extra cost to you of course.

Find out more about Alfie’s Squad at www.alfiessquad.org