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[p]Firstly I’d like to start by saying that it’s an absolute honour to be running the London Marathon for SOBS (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide) and to be the first person in the nation to run the marathon for this amazing support group, makes it even more of an honour.[/p][p]SOBS is a support group that is so close to my heart as without their support and guidance over the past 7 years I really do not know where I would be now. I unfortunately on that awful day found my Mum and tried in vain to save her life with CPR, but it was not to be. However in the passing months and years this memory/experience came back to haunt me, so much so that I was diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and it’s been a real journey up till now & for me to be writing this story. I shall take the strength from this life changing experience into my training and into completing the London Marathon which will hopefully be my third and most important finish. [/p][p]Back in 2011 I ran the Amsterdam marathon for the charity Mind which was in recognition of their efforts in trying to help Mum. This time I shall be running the marathon for SOBS in recognition of all their support to my family & in particular to myself. They have listened, advised and been there for me during the initial grieving period and then the months and years after with all the questions, whys’ and if only’s……!! I’m extremely grateful for all of SOBS support[/p][p]So where do you begin in writing a story about your own mother who decided to take her own life 7 years ago on the 21st December 2010 and leave us all so suddenly and with our lives in pieces. [/p][p]All her life Mum (Shelia) cared loved and worried about everyone and everything else apart from herself, which in the end was to be her downfall. Over the years Mum raised and donated hundreds/thousands of pounds through either not eating for 24hours for children around the world or just giving on a regular basis to Redwing Horse Sanctuary or the PDSA. [/p][p]Depression and Anxiety is a killer the same as any other disease but with mental health and in particular Suicide there is a stigma that surrounds it and as a family it’s something additional that you have to deal with. So I shall be wearing the SOBS t-shirt during my training and the SOBS vest for the marathon with immense pride in raising awareness of this amazing national suicide survivors support group.[/p][p]The 26.2 miles around London will give me the opportunity to remember all the brilliant memories I have and to reflect on how lucky I was to have had such a wonderful Mum, I’m sure she’ll be with me every step of the way. [/p][p]I shall also be doing this on behalf of our Dad who's coped so well during such difficult times and who I'm so proud of, for my Sister Ally who not only lost a Mum but a close friend and also for the grandchildren Rebecca, Kieron, Max and Callum who miss there Grandma so much. [/p][p]Finally my wife Bev, who not only has had to deal with the loss but has been there for me through difficult times, for which I cannot thank her enough.[/p][p]I’m running this marathon in memory of my wonderful Mum but also in recognition of all the hard work the volunteers do in helping families that have experienced this terrible tragedy like we have as a family.[/p][p]So special thanks go to the SOBS Bury St Edmunds group and in particular Suzy Clifford for your support over the past years.[/p][p]‘Only those of us who have experienced this terrible tragedy can truly understand’[/p][p]In Memory of Mum (Sheila) - too dearly loved to ever be forgotten.[/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p] [/p][p] [/p]