A Promise Fulfilled

Yesterday, we had the absolute privilege of watching Will Tarbard cross the finish line of his 12th and final marathon. A year ago, Will made us a promise that seemed almost impossible – to run a marathon every single month for a full year, all in aid of our little charity, Elsie’s Rose.

As Will approached that finish line, we could see him holding back tears. But honestly, we were right there with him, tears in our eyes too. After 315.6 miles of racing across 12 consecutive months, countless training runs in all weather conditions, and unwavering commitment to helping families like ours, Will had actually done it.

Why This Means Everything to Us

When we lost our beautiful daughter Elsie at just 13 months old, we were fortunate to have support systems that many families don’t. Annie worked for the NHS, Ben was good with saving, and we had incredible family and friends. But even then, those first few months were incredibly difficult, and we realised that without that support, financial worries could have made our darkest days even harder.

That’s why we created Elsie’s Rose – because every step Will has taken and every pound he’s raised helps families facing what we faced. When parents should be focusing entirely on spending precious time with their child, financial pressures often add unbearable stress.

Will’s incredible fundraising throughout this challenge has helped us provide exactly the support we wish was available to every family:

Emergency rent and mortgage payments so families don’t lose their homes during their child’s treatment

Utility bills to keep lights and heating on during long hospital stays

Food vouchers and grocery deliveries when parents can’t leave their child’s bedside

Travel costs for daily hospital visits that can stretch for months

Essential supplies and medications when every penny is already stretched

An Inspiration Beyond Words

Throughout this year-long challenge, Will has embodied everything Elsie’s Rose stands for. Every early morning when he laced up his running shoes, every race day when he pushed through exhaustion, every moment when he could have given up – he kept going, knowing that his efforts were making a real difference for families in crisis.

As parents who have walked this unimaginable path, watching Will’s dedication has been both humbling and inspiring. He’s shown what it means to turn compassion into action, and his commitment has touched our hearts in ways we can’t fully express.

A Huge Thank You

Will, you are an absolute inspiration, and we couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve achieved. Your strength, your heart, and your dedication to honouring Elsie’s memory by helping other families means the world to us.

We know our beautiful Elsie would be so proud of what you’ve done in her name. You’ve helped ensure that her legacy lives on through every family we can now support because of your incredible year-long journey.

Congratulations, Will. You are a hero, and we are forever grateful.

Following Will’s Lead

If Will’s incredible marathon challenge has moved you to consider your own fundraising journey for Elsie’s Rose, please know that every effort – big or small – helps us be there for another family during their darkest days.

As we always say, “We can’t change the unforeseen, but we can change the support available to those families.” People like Will help us do exactly that.

Ready to make your own difference? Contact our team – we’d love to support you in creating your own challenge to help families when they need it most.