Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador, Toby, embarked on a mammoth walking challenge as they conquered the famed South West Coast 10 Challenge.

“I chose the South West Coast 10k Challenge as it’s close to home, both physically and emotionally. The 10k route is around Dunster Castle which is near my home of North Devon.”

In the weeks and months leading up to the challenge, Toby was training throughout, preparing for the 10k walk.

“Luckily, I’m regularly at the gym keeping fit to go back to my university’s rowing squad in September, so I’m just adding in some more endurance training alongside my strength training.

“My family and I have been on walks over Exmoor quite a lot as I’ve grown up, so I’m excited for a trek through the woodlands.”  

Supporting Winston’s Wish

Toby was 14 when their dad died and after receiving support from Winston’s Wish, Toby signed up to be a Youth Ambassador, championing for more bereavement services for children and young people.

“I decided to join the Winston’s Wish Youth Ambassador Team when I saw my friends posting about the amazing things the charity has done or is doing, it inspired me to use my experiences with grief for good!

“I’ve mainly helped create some episodes for the Grief in Common podcast, talking about topics from how to handle new stepparents to how grief can affect your body! It’s quite lovely thinking of how sharing my own experiences and struggles, and how I got through them, could help the young people and parents or guardians listening. 

“My dad passed away a little over 6 years ago when I was 14, and I still listen to the Grief in Common podcast to adopt new coping mechanisms, to prepare myself for new milestones, or just to know that I’m not alone in my grief.”

Feel Inspired?

Has Toby’s mammoth 10k challenge got you inspired? Then put your best foot forward and join Team Winston’s in 2025 or 2026!

With hundreds of events happening across the UK and throughout the year, you can choose a challenge that matches your pace.

The post Toby’s 10k South West Coast Ultra Challenge appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

To take on a half marathon is an achievement, a full marathon, a mighty memory, but an ultra challenge, is nothing short of extraordinary. Tom Clarke, a partner in an accountancy firm, has just completed the inaugural 100-mile Rat Race from Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle. 

Tom Clarke competed in the Rat Race challenge and finished in 14th position out of a field of almost 600 participants, finishing in 22 hours and 17 minutes! 

Tom decided to take on this challenge for Winston’s Wish. He explains, “I first heard of Winston’s Wish following the sudden death of my brother-in-law in 2023.   

“The events of the night were tragic and will live long in the memory.  My sister and her two young beautiful children have been incredible in dealing with the loss and they have been completely inspirational ever since.   

“Initially, my sister reached out to Winston’s Wish to get some advice about how to break the news to her children, and this advice was also then used by me and my wife in explaining to our children that their uncle was no longer with us. 

“My coping mechanism for when life throws curveballs is to exercise. Running, football and mountain biking clears my mind and helps solve problems or put things into perspective.  

“After the events of 2023 I signed up to several ultra marathons to distract myself and give myself, and eventually completed ‘The Wall’ in 2024, a 70-mile run following Hadrian’s Wall which finished at the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead. I lived and worked in the Northeast for many years, so this route passed a lot of sentimental places.   

“The euphoria from completing that race was overwhelming, and addictive.  Within a week or so of completing that race I wanted to try my hand at a 100 mile race to see if I could do it. The company that runs this event, Rat Race, also runs ‘The Wall’ so I knew that the event would be brilliantly organised. 

“Preparations for this have been limited.  I have not specifically trained for this, instead I have kept basic fitness up and tried to remain injury free. I didn’t really set a target for fundraising but I am delighted to have got above the £3,000 mark.  Thank you to every single supporter, it means a lot to me and my family. 

Supporting Winston’s Wish

Tom explains why he wanted to fundraise for Winston’s Wish, he says, “It’s important for me to raise awareness of the charities that pick up the pieces and provide support when things have happened.  I believe that the awareness of mental health issues has increased and there is a wide range of fundraising to support the action to prevent situations similar to the case of my brother-in-law, but there is always a need for the support to be there for families after a tragedy occurs. 

“Crossing that finish line in front of my family was overwhelming. It’s incredible where your mind takes you in an event like that and I really had to dig deep. It was a pleasure to get to know some of the other racers and find out their “why” – I think the camaraderie is what keeps me heading back for more.” 

To find out more and support Tom Clarke’s Rat Race Ultra Challenge, then please visit his dedicated Just Giving page.  

Feel inspired by Tom’s 100 Mile Marathon?

Has Tom’s 100 Mile Marathon challenge inspired you to put your best foot forward? Then look no further! Check out the fantastic events happening throughout the UK across the year and join #TeamWinston for a challenge like no other.

From walks to marathons, swims to cycles, you can find a challenge that pushes you further than ever before. Find out more below.

The post Winston’s Wish Fundraiser Finishes 14th in Mighty 100 Mile Marathon  appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

Ironman veteran Peter McGahan-Boyd is all set to compete in his third Ironman this July, earning him the coveted Tri-Nation Medal, specially awarded to competitors who have competed three Ironmans in as many years.

Peter reflects on his fitness journey after competing in his first Ironman for Winston’s Wish. He says, “My first Ironman was in 2022, and I feel I’ve come a long way from training, mindset and also creating a nice community around me.”

“Now, I am about to compete in my third Ironman, I do feel slightly emotional towards it, I have a really strong connection with Ironman and what it represents, but without my friends, family and work environment nothing would be possible.

“In terms of my fitness levels, I feel the fittest I ever have, I also turned 40 last year so this was a key motivation to make this year a really healthy one.  For this season, I have been able to focus on multiple fitness areas.

“This one is really special for me in all honesty, I’ve been able to race at Bolton, Tenby and now Leeds.  Because these races have been close back to back, I will actually gain a special medal called Tri-Nation trophy.  Ideally completing all three nations (England, Wales and Ireland). Unfortunately, Ironman Cork has been cancelled, so Ironman have given me the opportunity this year in doing a second race in England.

“I have a coach who I work with who over looks my weeks and helps me be organised well in advance, but my normal routine is split into two short runs in the week, one over the weekend, two power focus bike rides with one long over the weekend and an endurance focus swim with also some strength and CrossFit classes between. I’m also super fortunate to have a great work location that provides state of the art gym, athletics track and outdoor swimming pool.”

Supporting Winston’s Wish

Peter highlights why he is so keen to support the charity and to raise both funds and awareness for Winston’s Wish. He comments, “As an early adult, when I was 19, I lost my Dad in a car crash and looking back now, I really do wish I had the support that Winston’s Wish provides to children and young people.  Its only later on in life I reflected on some of these issues.  I think it’s super important to have this support and help available as it can really shape someone’s perspective in their life.

“I’ve been working with Winston’s Wish for nearly five years now and its been really nice to not just see how it supports young people but how the charity has grown in reaching more bereaved children and young adults.”

I have to say a huge thank you to my family and friends for the support, but also “Winstons Wish, you have provided me with great ideas, content and support throughout the process.”

Peter Boyd-McGahan will be competing in the Ironman Leeds on 27^th of July. To follow his progress and donate, follow his dedicated Just Giving page.

Feel inspired by Peter’s Ironman challenge?

Has Peter’s triple ironman challenge feat got you ready and raring to go? Then simply check out all the amazing events and activities you can do to support Winston’s Wish!

From walks to marathons, swims to cycles, you can find a challenge that pushes you further than ever before. Find out more below.

The post Fitness Fundraiser to Compete in Third Ironman for Winston’s Wish appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

Ten years on from her dad’s death, Matilda, 21, alongside her friends and family, conquered the Three Peak Challenge, raising over £2,400 for Winston’s Wish in the process.

“The Three Peaks Challenge was the first fundraising idea that came to my head. I don’t think anyone who agreed to join me actually thought I’d stick with the idea, but I did!”

“In the end myself, my best friend Keturah, her brother Tom, and my mum, Melody, her partner, Tom, and my step mum, Daisy, all took part.

“There were a lot of emotions throughout the weekend, but we were all determined, especially knowing we were doing so for such a great cause.

“It helped that we got lucky with the weather, and it turned out to be most beautiful experience ever.

“I guess the Three Peaks Challenge reminds me slightly of the journey of grief, its unpredictability, the steep climbs when you least expect them, the exhaustion that hits at the most unexpected times and the quiet moments of reflection when you’re halfway up and questioning whether you can keep going. “But just like grief, you have to take it one step at a time, lean on the people around you, and trust that, even when it feels impossible, you can make it to the summit.”

Supporting Winston’s Wish

Matilda, who grew up in Brighton, now manages a café in Bristol where she resides, took on the Three Peaks Challenge in 2025 in honour of her dad.

“I was so unbelievably proud that we raised over £2,400 for Winston’s Wish. It makes me happy to know that our efforts will have a positive impact on someone’s life.”

“Having seen so many young people close to me lose someone at a young age, I really wanted to do something to make a real difference.

“A lot of my friends were moved by my goal, so when it came to sharing my GoFundMe page, they were more than happy to donate and spread the word.   “I think Winston’s Wish is really doing something incredible by helping people understand grief and the challenges it brings, and I’m happy I could play a part in helping with that too.”

Feel inspired by Matilda’s Three Peaks Challenge?

Has Matilda’s Three Peaks Challenge inspired you to put your best foot forward for Winston’s Wish? Then look no further!

With walking challenges happening across the UK, throughout the year, you can find a challenge best fit for you. Simply head over to our walking challenges for more information.

The post Matilda’s Three Peaks Challenge appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

“This was not my first rodeo. In fact, this was the third time I’ve tackled the London Marathon, and I was pondering which charity to support when I sadly found out that Russell had died.”

“I’ve always been a huge sports fan and I’m very active in my everyday life, and having run the London Marathon before, I knew what to expect and how to prepare.

“I knew if I didn’t train then the experience would be unpleasant. Unlike previous years, I employed an online running coach who helped me create a six-month plan. In total, I was running two to three times a week, including long runs on the weekend and regular strength sessions in the gym.

“It all meant I was nicely prepared for the big day and I surprised myself with how strong I felt, and finished with a more-than-respectable 3 hours 21 minutes.

“While I do enjoy the competitiveness of running, the really great thing about the London Marathon is the event itself.

“I have seen it from all sides: runner, spectator and journalist, which gives you a great perspective. For one day, the whole mood of the city changes and it feels so positive. The memories of lost loved ones and friends hang almost tangibly in the air, like they are running alongside us. And each person, 50,000 of us, are all playing our small part, along with the fervent support.”

Why I supported Winston’s Wish

Having grown up in Sidcup in south east London, Ian has lived and worked in various places across England. Now specialising in African sport, his career has allowed him to travel to some of the world’s biggest events, such as the Olympics, Paralympics and football’s European Championship. It was through journalism, and a shared love of sport, that he met and worked with Russell.

“As soon as I heard the news that Russ had died, I knew I was going to run the London Marathon for him. He was a lovely guy and would always greet me heartily whenever we saw one another.

“I even worked in the same newsroom where he met his wife Rachel, but we hadn’t spoken for many years. I found myself calling her about the death of her husband from the side of a pool in Ivory Coast where I was covering the Africa Cup of Nations.

“It was a strange occasion that will stay with me for a long time, but through that conversation I found out about Winston’s Wish. Rachel suggested the charity because it had provided support for her and the children.”

Fundraising for Winston’s Wish

Keen to raise as much as he could, Ian set about using his knowledge and connections within the industry to support Winston’s Wish.

“As someone who is not normally a big user of social media, I embraced the platforms to share videos of my training and encouraged others, including Rachel, to share posts and do their own.

“I emailed people at work, contacting former colleagues and places that Russ and I had worked together. Through that, I managed to get myself on-air at talkSPORT on the Hawksbee and Jacobs afternoon show, where we all chatted about Russell a week or so before the marathon.

“I had a running shirt with Russ’ picture created. That was a great image to share on socials, especially when Rachel and Russ’ kids held it up.

“My advice to those fundraising – start early and don’t be afraid to spam people!

“I’m pleased to have played my part and to have helped Winston’s Wish, but I also take pride in having been part of the world’s biggest display of altruism.”

Feel inspired by Ian’s London Marathon challenge?

Has Ian’s London Marathon challenge inspired you to take on a fundraising challenge? Then look no further.

With running events happening throughout the UK this year, you can find your perfect challenge. Head over to our running events to find your next run.

The post Ian’s London Marathon Challenge appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

Twenty years ago, Benedict came to Winston’s Wish for support after his father died to suicide. Now, aged 27, he’s committed to a skydive so others like him can get the support they need.

“My fundraising has far exceeded my target, and I’ve currently raised £445 for Winston’s Wish, which I am elated about. Winston’s Wish is a charity that is close to my heart following the years of support I received after my dad died in 2001.”

“I will be taking the leap on Sunday 8^th June at the Old Sarum Airfield, and I am most looking forward to the experience itself.”

Supporting Winston’s Wish

Upcoming skydiver, Benedict has been a strong supporter of Winston’s Wish, wearing many hats, from volunteer to fundraiser so no child has to grieve alone. 

“Following the support I received, I’ve tried to help the organisation as much as I can, even doing my work experience in the head office in Cheltenham when I was in sixth form.

“I enjoyed working with the team so much that I stayed on as a volunteer with Trust and Grants for four more years. In the role I applied to other charities and organisations for funding that supported a child or family.

“Later, I developed the role, taking ownership of suicide bereavement fundraising applications.”

“When the Youth Team was formed, I became a Youth Ambassador and Youth Advisor, giving my input and sharing my experiences to drive the charity forward.”

Feel inspired?

Has Benedict’s story inspired you to join #TeamWinston? Then look no further!

Whether you want to volunteer or take on an event, we’ve got you covered. With skydives happening all over the country, you can take an epic leap and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. But if that’s not your thing, take on a run, cycle or even join our Cheer Point volunteers and help inspire supporters at events.

The post Benedict: Skydiver, volunteer and all-round supporter of Winston’s Wish! appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

Keen runner Gareth Evans undertook the mighty London Marathon on Sunday 27^th of April to raise money and awareness for Winston’s Wish.

The charity is a cause close to his heart after personally experiencing childhood bereavement when his dad sadly died when he was just 14 years old.

Gareth explains, “My father died in 2005 after a period of illness that lasted 4 years. At the time I was 14, my brother was 12 and my sister only 9 years old. From the age of 10 to the age of 14, my life was spent largely visiting hospitals to see him, and in the late stages, a care home, where he ultimately passed away.”

Sadly, Gareth’s story is not unique, estimates suggest that every 20 minutes, a young person is told their parent has died however, that figure doesn’t equate the countless children and young adults who are navigating the death of a friend, sibling, grandparent or another significant individual in their lives.

Last year, Winston’s Wish supported and directly impacted the lives of more than 80,000 bereaved children and young people, up to the age of 25. The charity also provides support and advice to the adults around these young people who are growing up grieving, including education professionals.

Gareth was keen to raise awareness and money for the charity and applied to run the London Marathon for Winston’s Wish. He has already raised nearly £5,000 in connection with his London Marathon appearance.

Why I’m running the London Marathon

Gareth knows all too well how important it is for children and young whose lives have been turned upside down by bereavement have access to tailored support. Gareth says, “At the time of my dad’s illness and death, myself, my brother or sister received no support from anybody, we received no support in the form of counselling or dealing with the grief of this matter. I learned to deal with this myself and found my own coping mechanisms over the years.

“Late in 2022 I had a brief period where my mental health deteriorated which resulted in me seeking assistance from the GP. Whilst speaking to them I mentioned all of the above to them and they compared my way of overcoming the death of my father as having a cut, which needed stitches but wasn’t stitched, so it would be fine most of the time until the scar was hit again, and it would open far more easily than a stitched cut.

“I found this comparison very useful to understand but it made me realise that not getting the support we should have had at that time has had real long-lasting effects not only for myself, but also my brother and sister too.”

This led Gareth to consider his own experiences, where he ultimately came across Winston’s Wish. He says, “I went home and thought about this matter for some time, which led to me carrying out research on the support that is available for children to deal with bereavement which was where I came across Winston’s Wish.

“I found that they are an independent charity that rely on voluntary donations to support children and their families following the death of a parent, sibling or important person and since 1992, they have helped tens of thousands of bereaved children and young people.

“I thought that I would love to be able to raise money, but more importantly, awareness for the charity by completing the London Marathon as a fitting tribute to my father’s love for my running.”

For further details and to follow Gareth’s progress and his London Marathon journey, please visit his Just Giving page.

Feel inspired?

Has Gareth’s London Marathon challenge got you pumped and ready to take on your own running event? Then look no further!

With events happening throughout the year and across the UK, you can take on a distance of your choice in a location near you. Take a look at our upcoming challenges and run on behalf of Winston’s Wish and help us ensure no child grieves alone.

The post Gareth’s 2025 London Marathon challenge appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

Supporter Ian, 54, took on the famed Amsterdam Marathon for Winston’s Wish last year, raising more than £4,500 after learning about the important work the charity does to support bereaved children.

“I got the running bug after taking on my first half marathon in 2021. I loved everything about it, and I’ve continued to keep taking on more running challenges.”

“Running the Amsterdam Marathon was incredible. I enjoyed every aspect, from the crowds to the atmosphere, training and knowing I was supporting a fantastic organisation.

“In the lead up to the marathon, I followed a 12-week training plan, building up to about 50k per week. Over time, the half marathons became ‘easy.’ Words I didn’t think I would ever say.”

Originally from South Wales, Ian now resides in Eindhoven in the Netherlands with his family, which inspired his choice of marathon in Amsterdam.

Why I’m supporting Winston’s Wish

Having lost his own father at a young age, Ian was determined to raise funds and ensure others have access to bereavement support that wasn’t available to him.

“I sadly lost my father when I was seven following an illness, so I know the impact of childhood loss.”

“When my father died, it was a different time, I didn’t attend the funeral, we just got on with life. But when a loved one dies when you’re young, it’s like a massive boulder being dropped into a calm lake, the waves spread throughout your life.

“The work that Winston’s Wish does is so important to help shape, channel and minimise those waves.”

Feel inspired?

Has Ian’s Amsterdam Marathon inspired you to put your best foot forward for Winston’s Wish? Then look no further!

Choose from hundreds of runs, cycles, events and challenges happening throughout the UK across the year. Pick a challenge that suits you or create one of your own and help us in our mission to ensure no child grieves alone.

The post Ian’s Amsterdam Marathon Challenge appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

It is not every day that somebody completes a half marathon and certainly not 12 in as many days and yet local lady Liz Ujszaszi Evans, an avid runner, has just completed this remarkable challenge to raise money and awareness for Winston’s Wish, having fundraised £1,069 so far!

A cause close to her heart after her young family received support following a bereavement, Liz was keen to do something to give back and to help other young people and their families be aware of the support available to them. 

Liz comments, “I first came into contact with Winston’s Wish when my husband passed away in 2013 when our two sons were 10 and 13. They were recommended to me by my big sister Catherine as she had come into contact with them before in her role as a District Nurse.”

“I definitely think young people, especially as in my case when they are approaching their teenage years, can often find it difficult to open up about how they feel. Even the fact that they could talk to someone if they need to can be a huge comfort. As a parent any support you can get to deal with a traumatic bereavement is extremely beneficial, as obviously you are trying to do the best to protect your children from any further trauma and pain. 

“I think it’s important for Winston’s Wish and organisations like them to be visible because when you go through a traumatic bereavement, your emotions are all over the place, so you need a service that is easy to find and readily available.” 

Liz is an avid runner, with impressive runs such as the London Marathon already under her belt. Incredibly, this latest 12 half marathons in 12 days challenge has drawn her 100 half marathon challenge to a close! 

Preparing for the challenge

Reflecting on her challenge, which began on the 10^th of April, Liz says, “I have been running for about 8 years now and have completed more than half marathons so far. I run Parkrun regularly with my husband and have also done a few 50-mile Ultras too. The key for me is to run 2 or 3 times a week and I also do strength work in the gym, which helps enormously. Mentally the most difficult part is getting up at 5.30am every morning to drive for about 40 minutes to the venue for 12 days in a row! 

“The thing I was most looking forward to about the challenge was spending 12 days with the most incredible people! I am so lucky that I am able to share this experience with my husband and we have met so many lovely people in our running journey, who we are now privileged to call friends. 

“Over the course of the 12 days you develop a great bond with all the people running and you become like a special family! Also the venue is right on the Thames Towpath so it is beautiful, which helps! Plus, the last day we both ran our 100th Half Marathon, so we were one of the first husband and wife teams to achieve it on the same day!” 

Liz is raising money and awareness of Winston’s Wish, the UK’s first children and young people’s bereavement charity which supports more than 80,0000 young people up to the age of 25 throughout the UK when their worlds are turned upside down by grief.  

Liz adds, “If you have never done any charity fundraising, I would say go for it! It certainly gives you a focus and incentive to complete whatever challenge you have set yourself. Use all the social media avenues to spread the word and obviously work colleagues, friends through clubs. You will probably be surprised how generous people are for a good cause. It is great to be able to give a little bit back to the people or organisation that helped you when you needed it most. 

“I would just like to add that a traumatic bereavement can never be forgotten but with the right love and support you can learn to live again. I am incredibly lucky in that I have a wonderful supportive family too which makes a huge difference.” 

Feel inspired by Liz’s Half Marathon challenge?

Has Liz’s 12 half marathon challenges got you pumped and ready to take on your challenge? Take a look at our running challenges and pick the perfect one for you, whether that be a 5k, 10k, half marathon or even a marathon!

We know you’ve got this, and any challenge you undertake will help us in our mission to ensure no child or young person grieves alone.

The post Liz’s 12 Half Marathons in 12 Days! appeared first on Winston's Wish Events.

Physical Education teacher, James Perrett, 31, is preparing for the gruelling Nottingham Ironman Triathlon just months after completing the Cardiff Ultra Challenge for Winston’s Wish, raising over £1,500 in the process!

“Trying to fit training in can be a little hectic as my wife, Ceri, is also a teacher, and we have Dottie the Dachshund to care for.”

“The Ultra Challenge, back in February, which was 43-miles from Brecon to Cardiff and over 2,000ft of climbing, took around four months of training. I was running five to six days out of seven, covering 40 plus miles a week.”

“The upcoming Ironman Triathlon in July, consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-miles of cycling and a full marathon, normally takes 24 weeks to prepare for. However, with only a few months between challenges, a busy few weeks at work and necessary recovery time from the Cardiff Ultra, I’ve only recently started training again.”

“I’m doing around 10 to 15 hours of running every week, plus two lots of training sessions. My goal is to beat my time from my Ironman Wales challenge in 2022, which took me 14 hours and 36 minutes.”

Having always enjoyed sport, James first started running when he was at university and after managing his first mile, he decided to push himself further and take on the London Marathon in 2015.

“I clearly knew nothing about running as I did the whole thing in a pair of cotton Primark shorts and to this day, my family still quote me after I said, ‘never again,’ when I crossed the London Marathon finish line.”

“It wasn’t until I watched the Ironman Wales in September 2017 that I got back into running and it would take another five years before I did complete my first Ironman challenge following injuries and the pandemic.”

Since then, James has completed the two-mile Swim Serpentine, the100-mile ride London and will face the Nottingham Ironman Triathlon in July 2025.

Why I’m supporting Winston’s Wish

Having lost his father when he was just 14 through a sudden and unexpected heart attack, James has been an avid supporter of Winston’s Wish.

“It’s not until recently I’ve begun to realise the impact that his death really had on me and my own health. I never knew how to talk about him or respond when people asked about him, but I’ve gotten a lot better thanks to my wife and her encouragement to be a lot more open.”

“As a teacher, I’ve got lots of students who’ve gone through something similar to myself and I want them and other to be aware of the amazing work Winston’s Wish does. I wish I was aware when I was that age.”

“I hope that my challenges inspire somebody to do the same, raise money for a charity and push themselves to their limit.”

Feel inspired?

Has James’s mammoth Ultra Challenge and Iron Triathlon challenges got you inspired? Then look no further!

Take a look at our list of events and challenges happening throughout the year, all over the UK and pick the perfect challenge that pushes you further than ever before.

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