I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 12th September in memory of my brother who died of ARVC in April. For me, it not only marked 6 months since his death, but really, it signified a significant milestone in coming to terms with such a deep and turbulent loss.

My brother was a truly committed sportsman, running 7 marathons himself (London, Dublin, New York and Berlin), and I think that in the first weeks and months of losing him, running became a therapy for me. In committing myself to running, and raising funds in his memory, I felt connected to him in some way. Whilst I would often break down mid-run, it became an outlet for thinking about him, and trying to understand my new life without him. I have such fervent memories of cheering him on at the London marathon, in absolute awe of such determination and grit and I am blessed to keep these memories close to my heart through doing what he loved.

A massive thanks to those who supported me in this first milestone – my incredible family, friends, the staff at the CRY department at St Georges hospital and also my colleagues from work who ran alongside me at the Royal Parks. The next stop for me will be a full marathon in April, which will mark one year since losing him, and one year of celebrating the short, but wonderful life he had.

Sara Sheridan