Running in memory of my mum

Running in memory of her mum, Trish, Laura Wood ran her first Half Marathon in October this year, raising over £1,000 for Cruse Scotland through her efforts.

Laura shares her reason for running in support of Cruse Scotland and why she is now calling on you to either make a donation this Christmas, or to sign up and take on a challenge of your own in 2024;

“It’s such a comfort to me knowing that charities like Cruse Scotland exist. I wish I knew about their bereavement support for Young People when I was 14, as I know I would have benefitted hugely from those services.”

“I know how difficult it can be when you are grieving, and losing a parent at such a young age really affects and shapes you as a person.”

“Even today, 16 years on from my mum dying, the loss is still something I struggle to communicate or share.”

“I realise that getting bereavement support at an early stage is crucial in the understanding and processing of grief. I'd love for every child and young person who needs support to be able to access Cruse Scotland’s support services and urge everyone to dig deep this Christmas, or take on a challenge yourself and raise funds through sponsorship, to help those grieving families.”

“I crossed the finish line in 2 hours 3 mins and I am so delighted to have smashed my target by 10 minutes! I am also so chuffed I managed to raise over £1,000 for Cruse Scotland through the Great Scottish Run, and I feel I've pushed through a bit of my own vulnerability on this journey and gained some more confidence in telling my story to others.”

“Knowing that I've played a part in supporting other bereaved children and young people and raised awareness of the support Cruse Scotland offers to people of all ages, feels amazing.”

Demand for our services has increased and we desperately need to train more specialists to provide our bereavement support to children and young people.

Unless we can build more resource to cope with the demand, the likelihood is we ultimately have to turn families away. Please help to ensure that does not happen.

No matter the amount you can afford to give, your donation will offer hope and vital support to many grieving families.

To read family stories, support tips this Christmas, and more, visit our Christmas Appeal page. If you are inspire by Laura's efforts and would like to take on a challenge event, view our calendar.