Discover why Emma is running the London Marathon 2025 for Rekindle and for Amy...
The London Marathon has always been on my bucket list—I mean, what an achievement, right? I have entered the ballot four times and never made it through, so when I saw the opportunity to apply through Rekindle, I took it—especially since it’s a mental health charity for young people.
Why This Is Important to Me
In February 2015, it was a normal day. I was working in a nursery at the time when I was called to the office and told that a friend of mine had taken her own life. I remember sitting there, unable to say a word, as the world around me became fuzzy. I took in the information, but in that moment, I don’t think I truly heard it. I went back to work until, suddenly, it hit me... Amy was my best friend throughout high school and sixth form. After leaving sixth form, we naturally grew apart, but we always held a special place for each other.
Amy had a one-year-old daughter, Vivienne, when she died, and the vision of seeing her by Amy's coffin on the day of her funeral still haunts me.
Amy was the life and soul of literally every party. She knew how to fill a room—there was never any silence when she was around. People said, "I don't understand, she always seemed so happy." Well, mental health doesn’t have a face, does it?
Every year, my friend Claire (who was also close with Amy in school), Amy’s father Joe, and I meet at her grave on her birthday to raise a glass to her. We even ran the first Newtown 10K together in her memory! I still expect her to walk around the corner... The fact that she’s gone still hasn’t fully sunk in.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of Amy’s death, so I feel like getting this marathon place was meant to be. If sharing this story and raising money can help support or save even one person, I'll be happy.
Marathon Motivation
I’m excited to take part in the London Marathon—achieving something for myself after what has been a tough year. Training has been good for me both mentally and physically. Also, like I said—WHAT AN ACHIEVEMENT!! But I’m equally nervous… 26.2 miles is a long way—YIKES!!
What Keeps Me Motivated?
Proving to myself that I can do this. Making my two beautiful boys, my family, and my friends proud. Doing this for Amy, her dad Joe, and her daughter Viv. I also want to do Rekindle justice and raise awareness—I have no doubt they help a lot of people, and that’s amazing!
I’m lucky to have very supportive family and friends who help me train, joining me for miles along the way—not to mention my furry companion, Otis the cocker spaniel. 🙂
Support Emma and help her reach her £2000 goal for Rekindle via Just Giving -
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