On Sunday 26th October, fourteen dedicated runners – Robin, Laura, Nicky, Millie, Nina, Nalita, Rhydell, Simran, Parveen, Ravinder, Kym, Amrit, Sharan and Kiran – will take on the Leicester Half Marathon or 10k in support of The Laura Centre.

Each has their own reason for running, whether in memory of a loved one or in gratitude for the support they’ve received. But they all share one goal – to help us continue providing free bereavement counselling for families after the death of a child, parent or sibling.

For Laura, the Leicester 10k is deeply personal. She’s running in memory of her husband, Rob – and in gratitude for the support she and her two children received from The Laura Centre after his death.

Through counselling and continued guidance, The Laura Centre helped Laura’s family navigate a life-changing loss and find ways to heal together. Knowing that support is always there has been a lasting comfort, and running the Leicester 10k is Laura’s way of giving something back to the place that helped hold her family together.

To donate to Laura’s fundraiser, click here.

Last October, Nicky’s close friends suffered the unimaginable loss of their grandson, Kai, who died suddenly just before his second birthday. Kai was a much-loved little boy – funny, joyful and full of life. His death left his family heartbroken, and The Laura Centre has been there to support them through their grief.

Nicky is running the Leicester 10k in memory of Kai and in recognition of the vital work The Laura Centre does to help families after the death of a child. Her run is a heartfelt tribute to Kai’s life and a way to ensure other families can access the same compassionate support.

To donate to Nicky’s fundraiser, click here.

For Millie, running the half marathon is both a personal and emotional challenge. She’s taking it on in memory of her niece, Oria Rose, whose loss changed her family’s lives forever.

After adjusting to life as a new mum, Millie is lacing up her trainers to give back to the charity that helped her family begin to heal. At The Laura Centre, we supported them through their grief, offering space to talk, process and rebuild.

To donate to Millie’s fundraiser, click here.

Mille Leader With Oria Rose & Family

This year marks what would have been Nina’s son Toby’s 10th birthday. To honour him, Nina is running 10k – one kilometre for every year of his memory.

After Toby’s death, The Laura Centre provided Nina with crucial emotional support, helping her to process her grief and find connection with others who understood.

She admits the challenge feels daunting, but her determination comes from the love she holds for Toby and her wish to give back to the charity that helped her through the hardest years of her life.

To donate to Nina’s fundraiser, click here.

Robin’s reason for running is simple but powerful – to help others who have been through the same kind of loss he and his wife experienced when their daughter, Beatrix, died.

The couple received counselling at The Laura Centre during their grief, and Robin credits that support with helping them begin to find their footing again.

He says running clears his head, and while he’s most looking forward to the finish line – and a well-earned stop at Dunkin’ Donuts – his focus remains on raising funds to ensure other families can access the same care his did.

To donate to Robin’s fundraiser, click here.

Rhydell knows first-hand how important early emotional support can be. Having seen children personally benefit from The Laura Centre’s services, she’s running to ensure that help is there for others when it’s needed most.

She believes no child should have to face grief alone – and her fundraising will help keep our counselling free and available to every family who needs it.

To donate to Rhydell’s fundraiser, click here.

(L-R Laura, Nina, Robin)

Nalita’s connection to The Laura Centre spans years. She came to the charity during one of the most difficult times of her life, and found comfort, understanding and connection.

Through counselling, reflexology and relaxation classes, she found space to heal. She also joined a bereavement walk in the Derbyshire Dales, where she met other women who shared similar experiences.

Running the Leicester 10k is her way of saying thank you. She describes running as her time to think, reflect and reconnect with herself. It’s also her way of helping to make sure The Laura Centre can continue providing that same safe, healing space for others.

To donate to Nalita’s fundraiser, click here.

This inspiring group – made of Simran, Parveen, Ravinder, Kym, Amrit, Sharan and Kiran – are taking on the Leicester Half Marathon together as Team Mysterious Girls, all in support of The Laura Centre.

Each team member brings their own story, motivation and reason for running, but they’re united by one goal – to raise awareness and funds for our charity’s free bereavement services. Their teamwork captures the spirit of what this weekend is all about – community, compassion and the power of coming together for a cause that matters.

To donate to Team Mysterious Girls, click here.

Every runner taking part this weekend represents a story of strength and remembrance. Their efforts will help fund our services that give families the tools to navigate life after loss.

We couldn’t be prouder of them, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way!

You can show your support for our runners and help The Laura Centre continue providing free bereavement counselling for families by donating here.