Brother and sister duo complete 30-day half marathon challenge in memory of their dad

Freya and Fin Gudge have ran a half marathon every day this month as they raise funds for the charity, after their dad took his own life last year

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 30th Apr 2023

Today is the 30th and final day of half marathons being run by a brother and sister team from Somerset - in memory of their dad who took his own life last year.

Freya and Fin Gudge from North Curry are raising the cash for the Campaign Against Living Miserably, which starts conversations using a non-clinical approach to bring people together to get help when they need it.

They say they're taking on the challenge to help stop other family and friends from what they have been through over the past few months.

On their GoFundMe page, they explain exactly why this challenge means so much to them.

They write: "On the 29th of November 2022 our life changed forever. We were startled by a knock on the door late at night.

"We looked out the window to see the police at the door. Then came a weird long wait of confusion and fear before we were told "You no longer have a Dad" ... Hearing those words completely broke us and on the 11th of January 2023 we said goodbye to our dad forever.

"We don't want anyone to go through this - and any donation means so much and will make a difference."

Today, the pair are marking the end of their 30-day challenge in a place that means so much to the both of them and their time with their dad.

After their final half-marathon, they'll be taking to the waves on their surfboards in Polzeath, where the family have spent many times together.

"Prevention is such a big reward"

Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Freya said: "It's been amazing, seeing these donations come in. It's kept me and Fin going, to ensure that we keep those donations coming in, for them to be sent off to CALM and help other people, preventing them from taking their own lives.

"Prevention is such a big reward, because we wouldn't want anyone - let alone a 17 and 19-year-old to go through what we have.

"I'm not going to lie, it's been a struggle to get the runs done, especially during those early mornings! But to see everyone's donations and kind messages has really helped - it's been amazing, the amount of support.

"Today, we're finishing our challenge in a place very special to our hearts that was much loved by our dad.

"We're going to celebrate by going surfing, which was one of his many things that he liked doing - it's an activity which means you can just forget about things for a while.

"We're going to run in Cornwall - and then celebrate by surfing!"

You can find out more about their fundraiser and how to give money to their challenge on their GoFundMe page.

You can find information about how to get support and information about this on the Campaign Against Living Miserably website.

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