Six years ago, my mum and I ran the London Marathon for CLIC Sargent raising over £3,000 for them. This year, I am running for Balloons, the charity she is involved with now, who help children and young people work through their grief when they have lost a loved one. They need around £400 (my original target which has now increased to £800!) to train each new Grief Support Worker (mum's role) and I would like to help fund and support their amazing work by running the marathon and asking you to donate.

Here is a little information about Balloons, feel free to look at their website too: 

Balloons helps children and young people work through their grief and build resilience, enabling them to cope with the death of their loved one and face a brighter future. Many children and young people find it easier to open up to someone ‘neutral’, particularly if they believe they might upset the family by talking about their feelings. Our trained Grief Support Workers ‘walk alongside’ the child or young person in grief, giving them the opportunity to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions in their own way. When it isn’t possible to find the words, our Grief Support Workers will use creative and hands-on ways to help the young person express themselves.

Balloons relies entirely on grants, donations and the many people in our community who fundraise on our behalf. Without this support, bereaved families in our local area would have nowhere to turn when they need that additional “strong pair of arms”.

www.balloonscharity.co.uk