My Story

Running in memory of my husband, Ben Woods.

During lockdown, 2020, I was really struggling. So my wonderful boyfriend, Ben, who went on to become my wonderful husband, suggested that we started running. It helped a lot. He also suggested we started a bucket list of all the things we wanted to do once lockdown was over. There were many things on the list, from simple, mundane things to major life events: a trip to the pub, going to the theatre, getting married, starting a family…running a marathon together.

Some of the things we ticked off the list (hello name change and Bertie), whilst other things we were waiting to do. Our dream holiday to Tonga, buying a house, finally acting in a play together. We thought those things could wait.

Then, on the 6th of August 2022 my world fell apart when my wonderful Ben passed away. Not only did I lose my husband, the love of my life, the father of my son, and my best friend, but I also lost our future together and all of the wonderful things that we were meant to do and tick off the list.

Approaching my 30th birthday without Ben and feeling sad about it I realised I needed to do something positive. I decided that over the next decade I want to do as many of the things as I can off our list. Some might not be possible, but some most certainly are.

So, in April 2023 I decided to apply to run the London Marathon and, magically, the night before my 30th birthday I got a spot!

So now the hard work begins. Training and fundraising. Ben and I were meant to do this together - to cheer each other on and encourage one another. But I know Ben will be with me every step of the way. He may not physically be here but I can hear him giving me words of support and encouragement and cheering me on (and those who knew Ben know how loud he could be)!

So this is for you, Ben. For us. And for our boy. To see that no matter what happens, you have to keep on going and not let your dreams escape you.

Im so proud to say I will be running the marathon for team Samaritans who are this years official London Marathon Charity of the Year.

For those who are unaware, Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s largest suicide prevention charity, aiming to break the stigma around suicide and mental health. Samaritans is the only suicide prevention charity working across the UK and Ireland offering 24/7 support. Last year Samaritans volunteers spent almost one million hours answering calls for help by phone, email, online chat and letters, providing a non-judgmental listening ear when people most need it.

I have pledged to raise £2000 which will enable Samaritans to train 10 new volunteers in Ben’s memory.  Any help you can give me in reaching my target will be very much appreciated and will make every tough training session worth it!

So bring on Sunday 21st April 2024 - bring on the London Marathon!