WAY’s spring fundraising update

March 2025

Huge thanks to the fantastic fundraisers who have raised funds for WAY Widowed and Young in the first few months of 2025, including:

Hannah – the 11-year-old daughter of WAY Trustee Gary – who raised more than £3,000 for WAY and Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of her mum by cutting off her lovely locks in February. She donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust for children who are going through cancer treatment and other conditions. Thank you, Hannah, you are a star!
Ryan – the Managing Director of Build Recruitment, who took part in the Dartford Marathon on behalf of WAY in March.
WAY member Christine, who raised more than £200 for WAY by taking part in the Cambridge Half Marathon in March.

Running for WAY

On 6 April, we have a team of nine runners signed up to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon and another runner taking part in the Brighton Marathon on the same day.

WAY member Lisa told us why she signed up for the London Landmarks Half Marathon: “On 25 November 2023, my world fell apart when we suddenly and tragically lost the whirlwind, loud, massive and absolutely unforgettable Marc, my husband. The devastation of this loss is indescribable. Every element of my life changed – from becoming a solo parent to Tillie to always having to decide what to have for tea! My world and the person I was shattered that day.”

“Finding WAY and a community of people that just got it was – and continues to be – absolutely invaluable. I have made some incredible friends for life and Tillie has not felt like the only one in this shit storm! They’ve given me advice, listened to me overthink absolutely everything (thanks widowhood), been there when I’ve cried, screamed, just not known what to do…and when I’ve laughed! They have celebrated achievements and held me when I’ve been at rock bottom both virtually through weekly Zoom calls and in person. I honestly could not have got through without my WAY tribe and thankfully I don’t have to!”

Show Lisa your support

Joining Lisa at the starting blocks will be fellow WAY member Georgina, who told us her inspiration for the charity that’s been a lifeline for her since her husband died two years ago:

“In 2024, I turned to running as a form of therapy,” she said. “Signing up for the London Landmarks Half Marathon has given me something to focus on and work towards. Although I still wouldn't call myself a runner, the idea of long runs still fills me with a bit of dread! However, running the half marathon for WAY is an opportunity to give back and know that any money raised will directly help others navigate their grief journey.”

Show Georgina your support

Marathon efforts

Last but very much not least, WAY supporter Gracie is due to run the London Marathon in support of WAY on Sunday, 27 April.

Gracie told us: “What motivated me to raise money for WAY is because it’s an amazing charity that needs more awareness. To anyone who has donated I can’t thank you enough for your support. It means so much to myself and WAY – and I hope to see you all along the sidelines and at the finish line of the TCS London Marathon 2025.”

Gracie has raised more than £1,100 already and hopes to raise more than £2,000!

Show Gracie your support

Building corporate support for WAY

A huge thank you to our friends at Build Recruitment, who continue to raise funds for WAY through their charity golf day and events like the Dartford Marathon, adding to the more than £5,000 they’ve raised for WAY over the past year.

“Build heard about WAY after we tragically lost Jonny in May 2023,” says Build’s Managing Director, Ryan, who ran the Dartford Marathon in aid of WAY this March (see above).

“Jonny was a friend and a colleague to us but, more importantly, he was a fiancé to Cheri and a dad to little Leo. Cheri told us about the amazing work that WAY do and how much they supported her through such a challenging time in her life.

“We felt instantly connected to WAY and wanted to support any way we could,” says Ryan. “We have felt inspired to challenge ourselves and increase our efforts to fundraise for this amazing charity. This year we have chosen WAY again as our partnered charity and look forward to many more events and challenges in support of them.”

We are also thrilled to announce that Bierton Crematorium in Aylesbury is raising funds for WAY in 2025 too.

We look forward to working with supporters like Build Recruitment and Bierton Crematorium in 2025 and beyond and will bring you more updates throughout the year.

Every penny raised helps us to support more young widowed people across the UK.

If you or your company might consider supporting WAY in 2025, please do get in touch with us at fundraising@widowedandyoung.org.uk

Find out how you can raise funds for WAY