On August 9, I’ll be running my 27th marathon through the peaceful coastal paths of Par, Cornwall. This week’s cause is tender—child bereavement. I’m running in support of Winston’s Wish, a charity that helps children and young people rebuild their lives after the heartbreaking loss of a parent or sibling. This run is for every child learning how to carry grief before they’ve even learned how to live.

The What:

Child bereavement is a devastating reality that changes everything in a young life. Losing a parent, sibling, or caregiver isn’t something children “get over.” Grief in childhood can be silent and invisible, often expressed through anxiety, anger, withdrawal, or confusion. Without the right support, that pain doesn’t fade—it grows with them, shaping how they trust, cope, and connect with the world. It’s not just about mourning a loved one; it’s about surviving the emotional fallout of losing your whole world too soon.

The Why:

Because no child should have to face grief alone. Grief isolates—but with the right support, it can also be met with hope. I’m running this marathon to shine a light on the children who carry heavy hearts, and to raise the funds needed to help them find comfort, healing, and a future worth holding onto.

What is Winston’s Wish and What Do They Do?

Winston’s Wish is the UK’s first childhood bereavement charity, providing specialist support to children, young people, and families coping with the death of a loved one. Their work includes therapeutic services, one-on-one grief counselling, group sessions, a national helpline, and practical resources for schools and caregivers. They help children process loss, express their emotions safely, and rebuild confidence in the face of unimaginable pain.

Every donation brings a grieving child closer to healing:

• £10 provides a memory box to help a child process their loss.

• £25 funds a call to the helpline for a parent unsure how to support their child.

• £50 gives a child a tailored grief support session with a specialist practitioner.

• £100 supports a group workshop where children can meet others who understand their pain.

As I complete Marathon 27 in Par, I want to remember grief doesn’t disappear—but with love, support, and understanding, it becomes something children can carry with strength. Please donate to Winston’s Wish.