Harriet Wise
My Story
In April 2024, I will be taking on my biggest and scariest challenge yet – running the London Marathon.
I’ll be running in support of a charity very close to my heart, in memory of my beautiful Mum and hope to raise as much money as possible. The Forward Trust works with people across the country that are battling drug and alcohol addictions and empowers them to break the cycles of addiction to move forward with their lives. They believe that with the right tools, services and support, anyone and everyone is capable of lasting change. Their services support thousands of people and their families to build a better life and make a huge difference to their recoveries.
I first came across The Forward Trust through their work with the Action on Addiction campaign, a campaign set up to improve societies understanding of addiction and end the stigma that surrounds it.
For those that don’t know, late last year we suffered our own heartbreak as we lost my mum to her battle with alcohol addiction. I am not ashamed to say that this is something my family has been heavily affected by, but more so ashamed of the societal taboo and stigma that surrounds it. Especially when we consider that according to NHS figures, over 7 million people in the UK show signs of alcohol dependency. Witnessing the shame and the struggle for someone to get back up onto their feet and continue fighting to get themselves back into an unsupported and mostly judgemental and system flawed society, leaves you wanting to fight for change.
So even though running a marathon won’t solve the problems of addiction or turn back time, I hope to be able to support charities like this one and raise awareness to those around me, to begin breaking the chain of stigma. If I was to help just one person take their first steps to seek help or stop one more beautiful, bubbly and caring soul lose their battle, then my first challenge has been won and every mile will be worth it.
And I do all this knowing that I have an angel cheering me on from above.
Please donate if you can, to show your support.
Thank you,
Harriet x