Toby's fundraiser for Nacoa

In December 2023 my mum died of liver failure as a result of her addiction to alcohol. As long as I can remember alcohol had been a part of our lives and had a huge impact on my childhood.

In coming to terms with mum dying, it made me realise how damaging a parent's drinking can be on children; resulting in feelings of shame, loneliness and powerlessness.

In thinking beyond my own experiences and considering how I can do something positive I found Nacoa, The National Association for Children of Alcoholics. My first thought was; 'I wish I had known about it growing up', but more importantly looking at the work they do it made me want to help.

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. It aims to offer advice and support to affected children via online guidance and a free helpline. The charity connect with professionals already working with affected children, promotes research into the problems faced by children of alcoholics and aims to raise the profile of the issue in public consciousness.

1 in 5 of the UK are affected by this, which is why I hope to raise as much as I can to support their valuable work. On 6 April 2025 I'll be running the Brighton Marathon and any support would be greatly appreciated!