Winston’s Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK, has an inspiring new recruit taking part in two of Brighton’s most gruelling sporting events.

21 year old Rob Jenkins, who lost his mum to heart problems when he was young, will be raising much-needed funds for Winston’s Wish by tackling his first marathon in Brighton in April. But first, by way of a ‘warm up’, he’ll be taking on the Brighton Half Marathon in February.

Rob, who is currently in his last year of studying geography at Sussex University, will be part of Team Winston – a posse of 20 runners who are aiming to raise £10,000 at the Brighton running festival to coincide with the charity’s celebration of its tenth anniversary in West Sussex.

The charity is especially close to Rob’s heart as it provided support for both him and his brother after their mum passed away.

Rob knows that this, along with the incredible care he received from his dad, helped him through difficult times and he appreciates that not every bereaved child has access to the same level of help.

Explaining that ‘doing the double’ is his way of giving something back, Rob is raising money to ensure Winston’s Wish can reach out to many more bereaved young people:

“Competing in both events is a daunting task. However, with hard work and determination I know I can persevere! Particularly with the belief that I am raising money for such a great charity – one that has affected thousands of children nationwide, myself included.”

To support Rob and donate to Winston’s Wish, click: https://www.justgiving.com/Rob-Jenkins5/

Leigh-Beth Stroud, Community Fundraiser for Winston’s Wish in Sussex, wishes Rob all the best:

“Taking part in one marathon is admirable, but to also sign up for the half marathon is incredible. We hope Rob’s training goes really well and that all his friends and family dig deep to show their support. It is thanks to inspirational fundraisers like Rob that Winston’s Wish is able to support the bereaved young people who use our services every year.”

Leigh-Beth added:

“Any runners who already have places in the Brighton half or full marathon who would like to join our team and raise money for Winston’s Wish would be very welcome. They can call me on 01403 211030.”

Every day, more than 100 children are bereaved of a parent in the UK. Winston’s Wish was the first charity to establish child bereavement support services in the UK and continues to lead the way in providing specialist child bereavement support services across the country.

Having provided in-depth specialist support in the West Sussex region for a decade, Winston’s Wish will host a number of celebratory events throughout 2016 to mark this achievement.