Winston’s Wish is incredibly grateful to Kevin Edgington, 40, who completed the Bupa Great Birmingham Run – his first half marathon – in an impressive time of 1 hour and 54 minutes. Kevin raised over £1000 to help Winston’s Wish provide invaluable, life-changing support to bereaved children and families across the country.

The Bupa Great Birmingham Run is the biggest half marathon in the Midlands and the course takes in some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Bullring, the Cadbury’s factory in Bournville and Edgbaston cricket ground.

Upon finishing the mammoth run, Kevin commented:

“It has been an epic and emotional day. It was a brilliant atmosphere – I felt euphoric with friends and family cheering me on!”

Kevin describes a moving moment from the race, adding:

“It was especially poignant when a total stranger came up to me to thank me for my raising money for Winston’s Wish. His wife died when his daughter was very young, and he had telephone support from the charity many times when he and his daughter needed it. It made it all seem so real to be supporting such a great cause, and frankly makes me well up when I think of it”.

Kevin’s father took his own life when Kevin was just eight years old. At the time, Kevin and his sister and mother, who was only 27 at the time, received little emotional support. Kevin now holds a special appreciation for the specialist support that Winston’s Wish offers children who face one of the most fundamental losses in life.

“It has taken me 30 years to understand how much impact this has had on my life – it hasn’t been easy for me.  I’m especially delighted that the money raised will help Winston’s Wish to reach out to youngsters who need support.”

Winston’s Wish helps children and young people rebuild their lives after the death of their mum, dad, brother or sister, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope.
The charity gives practical support and guidance through: a national Helpline (08452 03 04 05), individual and group work with families including residential weekends, specialist publications and training for professionals to support children who are feeling angry, confused and isolated after the death of a loved one.
The £1,000 Kevin raised could enable Winston’s Wish to deliver a training session to 20 professionals who in turn would work with and support many more bereaved children.