Half marathon to raise money for Nacoa

Did you know that 10,048 people died in the UK in 2022 as a direct result of their drinking?

In 2012, when I was just 14, my mum died from alcoholism. She was only 47. For many years before her death, she had been very ill and had even fallen into a coma when I was just 9 years old. My childhood was filled with fear and uncertainty, constantly worrying that my mum would die. Sadly, the damage done was too much, and she passed away leaving my dad and I to rebuild our lives.

When she died, I was overwhelmed with shame, anger, and depression. Without a healthy way to cope, I lost myself and have only recently began to feel peace in recent years. I often wonder how different my life might have been if I hadn't grown up in a society that treats alcoholism as a taboo subject. What if I had asked for help instead of keeping the impact of my mum's drinking a secret?

That's why I’m passionate about Nacoa. Nacoa works tirelessly to raise awareness about alcoholism and provides emotional and practical support for children of alcoholics and their families via a helpline. Although they are a small charity, they helped support over 33,000 people in 2023 alone.

This is why I am running for Nacoa in the Robin Hood half-marathon. By doing so, I hope to raise awareness and funds to support their crucial work, ensuring that no child has to face what I did alone.

I want to take this opportunity to thank those closest to me for their love and support over the years. You know who you are, and you've brought light into my life at times when I could only see darkness. Your kindness and understanding have meant the world to me - to help me find myself and break the cycle of pain.

Please join me in supporting Nacoa. Your donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of children affected by alcoholism. Together, we can provide them with the help and support they need.

Thank you.

More information about Nacoa (National Association for Children of Alcoholics): The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) is a registered charity (No. 1009143), founded in 1990 to address the needs of children growing up in families where one or both parents suffer from alcoholism or a similar addictive problem. This includes children of all ages, many of whose problems only become apparent in adulthood.