Holly Brencher to run London Marathon for Suicide&Co

Warning: This story contains discussion of suicide

In November 2024, my world changed forever when I lost Billy to suicide.

He was just 39-years-old.

I run so no one feels alone after losing someone to suicide (Image: NQ staff)

Billy wasn’t only my brother; he was a dad, a friend, and a huge part of our lives.

He left behind his little boy, who was only four at the time.

Watching my nephew grow, seeing him smile, and noticing how much more he looks like his dad every single day is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Losing someone to suicide is like having the ground pulled out from under you.

This marathon is my promise to Billy — you are not forgotten (Image: NQ staff)

It’s grief mixed with guilt, questions, shock, and pain that words can’t fully describe.

It’s incredibly lonely, which is why the work of Suicide&Co means so much to me.

The charity provides one-to-one bereavement counselling for adults affected by suicide.

Suicide&Co gave me strength when I felt most lost — now I run to give that strength to others (Image: Suicide&Co)

They offer up to 12 sessions of specialist support, giving people the time and space to process their loss.

Every £30 raised can provide one of those sessions for someone who desperately needs it, and that’s why I’m running.

My JustGiving page is now live at: www.justgiving.com/page/holly-brencher-2

Each stride honours my brother’s memory and supports Suicide&Co (Image: NQ staff)

This journey isn’t just about crossing a finish line; it’s about honouring Billy’s memory, supporting his little boy, and helping other families who are walking the same painful path.

No one should have to feel alone in their grief.

My training officially kicked off this week — day one of 158 before marathon day.

Over the next two weeks, I’ll be organising a range of fundraising events and activities to support Suicide&Co and raise awareness about suicide bereavement.

Whether it’s a quiz night, community walk, or coffee morning, I hope people will join me — to donate, share, and show support.

For Billy, I’ll run every mile with love, grief, and purpose (Image: NQ staff)

This is more than a marathon.

It’s a mission to keep Billy’s memory alive and to help others find hope after loss.

Every donation, every message of encouragement, and every shared post helps more than you know.

Together, we can make a real difference.

💙

This one’s for Billy.

If you are struggling with the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans for support.

Call 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Samaritans are available day or night, every day of the year.