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Life can change in an instant, and I know this all too well. I lost my beautiful daughter Gemma in 2015, she was our beautiful shining star, a devoted sister to her two loving brothers Daniel and Jamie. In April 2024 my world was shattered again when my dear son Jamie tragically passed away at just 30 years old. Jamie was the kindest, most special son, a devoted daddy to his precious little girl, who was only three years old at the time of his sudden death. She was his whole world, and his love for her will always live on.
Gemma and Jamie were deeply loved by so many friends and by everyone who had the privilege of knowing them. Their friendships were meaningful and true, built on kindness, laughter
Jamie's unforgettable smile was so full of warmth and love and when he walked into a room he instantly put people at ease and the love they received and gave continues to live on in the hearts of so many.
Grief can make you feel lost, isolated, and unsure how to keep going. There are days when life feels impossible. What helped me was learning that I didn’t have to do it alone. Reaching out, accepting support, and taking small steps forward made a difference. Running, PT training at ABC, and boxing became my way of coping — not to escape the pain, but to face it, one day at a time. These spaces gave me strength, routine, and hope, and helped me stay strong for my son who is still here and bravely navigating life without his brother and sister.
In March, I am stepping far outside my comfort zone by taking part in a boxing event. I am doing this in loving memory of Jamie and Gemma, and to show that even after unimaginable loss, there is still courage, resilience, and purpose. This challenge isn’t about being fearless — it’s about showing up, even when life feels overwhelming.
I truly believe that sport can offer hope, strength and connection to anyone who feels lost or overwhelmed by life.
If you are struggling please know you are not alone-sometimes taking that first step, can help you breathe again.
Through the MFC Foundation, I am raising money to support others who may be struggling, feeling lost, or facing their own heartbreak. Every donation, no matter the size, helps provide support, hope, and reassurance to those who need it most. If my challenge or my children’s story encourages even one person to reach out or feel less alone, then it truly means everything.
Thank you for reading, for supporting this cause, and for helping keep Jamie and Gemma’s legacy alive. Together, we can remind others that even in the darkest moments, there is still light, kindness, and hope.
’Put your hand in mine and never let go Look to the moon. Always together, never apart'❤️
Middlesbrough Football Club has strong links with the British Heart Foundation, who created RevivR – a free, online CPR training tool that takes just 15 minutes to complete. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and knowing what to do in those first moments can save a life. I’m stepping into a boxing ring well outside my comfort zone, but taking a few minutes to learn CPR could help you step in when it really counts. Please take a moment to visit the RevivR link – it could make all the difference.
More information about Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation: Our mission is simple; by harnessing the passion and power of the Football Club brand, we work to raise aspirations and improve the life chances of young people and adults across Teesside.
We work in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Teesside, engaging with those who are hard to reach through the delivery of inspiring sport, education, health and inclusion projects.