Me and my wife Holly are running the Chester Half Marathon on May 17 (our first half marathon) raising money to benefit Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, and any donation will help make an impact.

It’s nearly 3 years since we lost our good friend Josh (pictured left) to suicide, at just 27 years old. Josh was a larger than life, kind hearted and sharp-witted personality who we all seriously valued, whether he realised this or not. His loss therefore came as a real shock, leaving scars for life on those closest to him and a hole in our lives that we’ll never be able to fill. Losing someone to suicide is very different from the experience of other bereavements, for many it leaves a viscous cycle of mourning, anger, guilt and questioning that may never recede.

This is where our chosen charity Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide step in:

We exist to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend. Many of those helping have themselves been bereaved by suicide. We offer emotional support, help and information in a number of ways. We help individuals at the time of their loss and in the months and years that follow by providing safe, confidential environments where people can share their experiences and feelings, giving and gaining support from each other.

Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me, my wife and all who knew and loved our good friend Josh Talbot.