I’m running the Manchester Marathon for Sudden Sam

Hi my name is Catherine and I’m running the Manchester Marathon for the charity Sudden Sam.

Having only ever ran 10km at my longest distance, having to do that 4 times over is going to be difficult for me - but I accept the challenge and I’m determined to finish under 6hrs.

My best friend suddenly lost her brother Sam, and in the aftermath of the familys devastation , they set up a charity to help others to navigate

sudden bereavement.

This charity is close to my heart and I’d love to be able to raise £200 to help them support other families and the community.

From their website “Sudden Sam aims to provide a beacon of hope after sudden loss. In the wake of a heart-breaking tragedy, Sudden Sam emerged in 2023, honouring the memory of Sam Mercer, who died unexpectedly and suddenly in February, aged just 35.

Sam's family understand the struggle of sudden death all too well. As a family, we struggled to process Sam’s death and our grief was compounded by trauma, shock and numbness. The months after Sam’s death were traumatic and complex - the complexity of the sudden death delaying the grieving process.

Sudden Sam aims to ensure that we stand as a pillar of strength, offering guidance, emotional support, and financial support to those grappling with the profound aftermath of sudden death. We aim to extend a helping hand to guide individuals through the darkest of times, proving that, even in the face of sudden loss and immense trauma, there can be hope and healing.”

Sudden Sam is a registered charity. No 1207785