Having worked with Efrem since 2007 I had seen first hand the devastating impact the loss of James had on him, Sharon and their family.
Witnessing what has followed this in the past 5 years with the formation of StrongMen has been equally humbling and inspiring by turning his personal experience into a way of helping others to traverse their own grief.
During this period I lost two grandparents who were hugely influential in my life through devastating illnesses, but in very early 2023 it was the sudden loss of my father in law that hit me particularly hard. As with all of us who have been lucky enough to be welcomed into my wife’s family he had become a father figure that I had been lacking for most of my life and spent the last nearly 20 years helping us with houses/children and me specifically keeping challenging cars on the road. Many hours spent pondering the latest problem and hammering all hell out of assorted rusty and seized parts, even if sometimes the assistance was simply a cup of coffee and words of encouragement, I always knew he was there.
Having spoken a number of times with Efrem he called me one day and suggested that I should come along to the weekender in April 23. Having read some of the stories of the guys who had already been involved with the charity I have to admit to feeling I would be somewhat of an imposter however my experience could not have been further from that. The whole weekend was exactly what I needed and everyone was welcomed and treated exactly the same. The huge feeling of achievement of the climb immediately followed by a relaxed evening giving us all a chance wind down and chat with no pressure, despite us all knowing why we were there, is just perfect and has left me with new friendships and an even greater respect for what StrongMen is all about.
The experience impacted the way I looked at my health and I picked up a pair of running shoes for the first time since I was a teenager. As a result I was extremely proud to wear the StrongMen name during the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year to raise money, having had some further gentle encouragement from Efrem.
