Football coach's marathon challenge for child bereavement charity

Mike Hansford is youth coach for Dorchester Magpies and is running the London Marathon in aid of Dorset-based Mosaic.

He was inspired to raise money for the charity when he saw first-hand how their work can improve the lives of young people who have lost a loved one.

Mike said: "I met a young lad who had received support from the charity and saw what a difference it had made. After his dad died, his whole world was turned upside down and he was finding life difficult, trying to understand his emotions and his behaviour changed. The support he received from Mosaic helped him turn his life around. The proudest moment for everyone was when we awarded him “Most Improved Player” last season.”

He added that running the marathon is a long-held ambition - but he's aware it won't be easy.

“After turning 40 last year, I thought it was time to do some of the things I’d always wanted to do. One of those things was to run in the London Marathon. I haven’t done a lot of running in recent years and have never run further than a half marathon, so I knew it was going to be a challenge. Running in my 40s isn’t as easy as I remember it being in my 20s!”

Mosaic provides individual and family support for bereaved children and young people who are struggling with grief after the death of a parent, sibling or loved one and for those young people facing the death of someone close. Mosaic also offers residential weekends, activity days and social events.

Margaret Hannibal, MBE, CEO said: “We would like to thank Mike for the time, effort and energy he is putting in to not only realising his ambition but raising money to help the children and young people we support throughout Dorset.

We wish Mike good luck for his challenge and thank him and his supporters for their support”.

The London Marathon takes place this Sunday, April 22. There is still time to donate to donate to Mike’s run on behalf of Mosaic by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/mhans29