Run Edwards Run!

On 23 August 2006, my sister Louise and her husband Mark had a beautiful baby boy called Joel. Sadly, Joel's heart stopped beating moments before he was born.

Although the whole family was there to provide support, none of us could truly empathise with how they must have felt. After nine months of excitement and preparation for their first child, their whole world was turned upside down.

One of the support groups, established by Sands to help support bereaved parents, was there when it mattered for Louise and Mark.

Although there were still no answers, they took comfort from knowing they were not alone and that there were other parents that could understand exactly what they were going through.

In memory of my nephew Joel, I wanted to give something back to Sands. Having failed to get accepted in the London Marathon for the third time, I decided to do my own thing - to run 100 miles over seven different events from February through to June.

The challenge included one ten-mile race, five half-marathons and my first-ever marathon, which has certainly put some fire in my belly to try for a place in London in 2008.

I ran in snow, sleet and gale-force winds; suffered shin splints, runner's knee and heat stroke; and developed a penchant for Lucozade Sport, jelly beans and Kendall mint cake. But it's all been worth it.

Thanks to the support of friends and family, I raised over £2,000 for Sands, which I hope will allow them to continue helping parents like my sister and brother-in-law.

I am fantastically proud of how Louise and Mark are coping with their loss and I admire their love and support for each other. And, although he is not here today, I will always be proud to be Joel's uncle - he is forever in our hearts.