In February 2020, we lost our beloved Dad, husband, brother, friend and teacher - Paul Crocombe, to suicide. 

Since then, the Crocombe family have been on a journey to raise awareness, learn and fundraise in the mental health space; and a charity which has become close to our hearts over this time is Sport in Mind. 

As a teacher and avid sportsman who inspired many thousands of children on and off the field during his life, Sport in Mind epitomise everything Dad stood for, with their goal being to improve the lives of those suffering with mental illnesses through the power of sport and exercise.

Various challenges, events and tournaments have been completed in Dad's name since he passed away - and next on this list (Dad loved a list), I (Pete), will be taking part in my first official marathon in my hometown of London. 

In amongst lots of other sport, running has been an escape and a tool to help me process my grief through this journey. Through my Garmin watch, I worked out I've run an average of 25 mins a day in the 567 days since Dad passed away.

In every one of those 25 mins, I've had Dad shouting his encouragement over my shoulder; and for the 42km of the London Marathon, I plan to give it my all with him watching from the sidelines. 

You, our friends and family have been so generous and supportive already - but any spare change would be so gratefully received in our continued quest to help others change their lives through something Dad loved.