A WOMAN who at 14 lost her mum, is running for the Lower Earley charity that supported her through childhood grief.
Daisy’s Dream stepped in to help Francesca Rogers (Frankie) through a very difficult time.
Now she is running to raise money for the charity, which supports youngsters and their families through the loss of a loved one.
Frankie will take part in this year’s London Marathon on Sunday, April 26.
She isn’t just running the London Marathon.
She has set herself the challenge of running 10 marathons in one year, to mark 10 years since the passing of her mum, Stephanie.
This will be her ninth marathon, the first having been last June in Cork.
“When I lost my Mum to breast cancer at fourteen, the world felt very quiet,” she said.
“I remember the well-meaning comments and all the people telling me how proud she would be, but mostly, I just remember the isolation.
“Grief felt like a weight I was carrying in total isolation.”
Two years later, at 16, Frankie started using Daisy’s Dream.
“They helped me to navigate everything I was feeling,” she explained.
“I’m fundraising for them now because I know firsthand that their support works.
“I want to make sure the next 14 year old facing that same loneliness has the same lifeline I was given.
“Running 10 marathons in a year has been tough, but in a way, it’s also been an outlet for a decade of emotion.
“I’ve been sharing letters I wrote to my Mum every year on her anniversary as I go, and sharing them has sparked conversations I didn’t think would ever happen.”
Daisy’s Dream provides free of charge, professional support to children and families who are facing, or have experienced, the death of someone they love.
Working across Berkshire, it offers a flexible range of services to help families move forward in a positive way.
Since 2022, it has supported over 12,500 children and young people.
“Frankie is an inspiring supporter with a very personal connection to Daisy’s Dream, who first came to us for support at the age of 14, shortly after her mum died,” said Jade Sim from Daisy’s Dream.
“That support, she says, made a lasting impact during one of the most difficult times in her life.
“Now, nearly a decade on, Frankie is determined to give back in the most extraordinary way.
“Her mission is one of remembrance, resilience, and remarkable generosity.
“Every mile she runs will not only honour her mum’s memory but also raise vital funds to support bereaved children and families across our community.
“We’re incredibly honoured to be part of Frankie’s journey.”
Frankie is aiming to raise £10,000 for Daisy’s dream through her 10 for 10 challenge, and will also host a charity ball on Sunday, May 31.
For information, and to support Frankie, people can visit: daisysdream.org.uk and justgiving.com (search for Francesca Rogers), and londonmarathonevents.co.uk
