Running in memory of Sheila

Susie ran 100km to raise funds for Nacoa in memory of her partner’s mum.

| April 13, 2026

Running in memory of Sheila

6.7km on the hour, every hour!

15 Hours later, 100km complete and over £1,600 raised (including Gift Aid).

The reason for running for Nacoa was not personal to me but to my partner, whose mum was an alcoholic.

We both believe in the charity’s purpose to help those affected by their parents’ alcohol problems and wanted to raise awareness. Had he known about Nacoa and had someone to talk to, he feels it would have helped him understand his mum’s illness and the feelings of isolation and secrecy.

Taking each lap individually

This was the hardest thing I have done both physically and mentally.

Lap 1 was a mix of nerves and excitement but by lap 2 the realisation hit that I still had over 90km to complete with the finish time being late into the night.

To overcome this mental barrier, I decided to take each lap individually, the goal was to complete 6.7km and then another 6.7km rather than focusing on the whole distance left.

The hours and kilometres soon flew by and the sense of achievement was kicking in until darkness began creeping in and my emotions were heightened – tiredness, monotony and hunger.

A worthwhile challenge

What kept me pushing through was my determination to raise funds and awareness for Nacoa. I believe I have accomplished this and I am very proud of the money raised to help others feel supported.

I wanted to say a massive thank you to every single person who donated and an even bigger thank you to those who came to support on the day. The team I had around me is what kept me smiling through the day and night.

Remembering Sheila as a kind and loving mum

A community was built on that day for a cause close to our hearts. The day was a challenge for my partner as it was a reminder of his mum not being present, but he was filled with pride and described my efforts as truly extraordinary.

He has voiced that what I have done in memory of his mum makes me a beautiful person both inside and out.

So, this is in memory of Shelia Hall – remembered not as an alcoholic but as a kind and loving mum.

Susie


If this story has moved you, please consider donating to Susie’s fundraising page.

Every pound helps a child of an alcoholic feel a little less alone.

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Running in memory of Sheila

Susie ran 100km to raise funds for Nacoa in memory of her partner's mum.

Running in memory of Sheila

Susie ran 100km to raise funds for Nacoa in memory of her partner's mum.

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Running in memory of Sheila

6.7km on the hour, every hour!

15 Hours later, 100km complete and over £1,600 raised (including Gift Aid).

The reason for running for Nacoa was not personal to me but to my partner, whose mum was an alcoholic.

We both believe in the charity’s purpose to help those affected by their parents’ alcohol problems and wanted to raise awareness. Had he known about Nacoa and had someone to talk to, he feels it would have helped him understand his mum’s illness and the feelings of isolation and secrecy.

Taking each lap individually

This was the hardest thing I have done both physically and mentally.

Lap 1 was a mix of nerves and excitement but by lap 2 the realisation hit that I still had over 90km to complete with the finish time being late into the night.

To overcome this mental barrier, I decided to take each lap individually, the goal was to complete 6.7km and then another 6.7km rather than focusing on the whole distance left.

The hours and kilometres soon flew by and the sense of achievement was kicking in until darkness began creeping in and my emotions were heightened – tiredness, monotony and hunger.

A worthwhile challenge

What kept me pushing through was my determination to raise funds and awareness for Nacoa. I believe I have accomplished this and I am very proud of the money raised to help others feel supported.

I wanted to say a massive thank you to every single person who donated and an even bigger thank you to those who came to support on the day. The team I had around me is what kept me smiling through the day and night.

Remembering Sheila as a kind and loving mum

A community was built on that day for a cause close to our hearts. The day was a challenge for my partner as it was a reminder of his mum not being present, but he was filled with pride and described my efforts as truly extraordinary.

He has voiced that what I have done in memory of his mum makes me a beautiful person both inside and out.

So, this is in memory of Shelia Hall – remembered not as an alcoholic but as a kind and loving mum.

Susie


If this story has moved you, please consider donating to Susie’s fundraising page.

Every pound helps a child of an alcoholic feel a little less alone.

Useful links

Coping with the death of a parent Support & advice The Nacoa Helpline Become a member of Nacoa UK

Recent Donations

You are not alone

Remember the Six "C"s

I didn’t cause it
I can’t control it
I can’t cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices

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In the Blood

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Long Going

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Dear… A book of letters from the forgotten families of addiction

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Parental Substance Use: Supporting School Aged Children

By Hannah Todman and Sarah Galvani (A BASW Practice Guide)
Twinkle, Twinkle Arti

By Danielle Slade
The 1 in 5 Documentary: A film about the forgotten children of alcoholics

By John Taylor

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