“A marathon? Are you kidding me?!” That was the reaction fundraiser Sarah got when she shared her big news, that she’d was to start training to run 26.2 miles and raising money for Alfie’s Squad.

After a close friend lost a loved one to suicide, Sarah was inspired to do something meaningful. Lacing up her trainers with her local running club (Penistone Footpath Runners), Sarah took on the Manchester Marathon, all to support the charity that was there for her friend’s family when they needed it most.

“We spent many hours drinking endless cups of tea, crying, hugging, walking, planning for the future… and then crying a little more,” Sarah shared. “We’ve learnt so much around the topic of suicide. I never thought that would be part of our lives, yet here we are.”

Through Alfie’s Squad, Sarah’s friend’s children were able to connect with other young people who understood what they were going through.

Thanks to Sarah’s kindness and determination, and the generosity of her friends and family, she has raised a fantastic £1,327, towards helping to provide more positive experiences and support even more families.

On why she chose to fundraise for Alfie’s Squad, Sarah says,

“I hope to help continue the support for my friend’s children, but also families across the UK who don’t know where to turn when confronted with this devastating life event.”

Allison Furlong, CEO at Alfie’s Squad adds,

“We are incredibly grateful that people are not only helping to raise money to help continue the support for our families, but to also push themselves to undertake such challenges, it’s an honour.”

Inspired to take on your own challenge for Alfie’s Squad?

Whether it’s a marathon or a coffee morning, we’d love to hear your fundraising ideas. Get in touch via info@alfiessquad.org and we’ll help get you started.