Avon Fire and Rescue Service, National Grid Distribution and family and friends gathered together last week to honour much-loved Harry Greenman and Hilda Jones in preparation for the Bristol Half Marathon, which they will be running to raise money for two charities close to their hearts.

Over thirty friends and family are preparing to run the Bristol Half-Marathon for Mind and Dementia UK, following the sad loss of Harry Greenman last year.

Tom Hobbs, a friend of Harry’s, set up a GoFundMe page to kick-start the fundraising on behalf of the group, he said: “We are all raising money in aid of Mind and Dementia UK.

“Thirty-five people are running (or trying to) the Bristol Half Marathon in loving memory of Harry Greenman who we lost suddenly due to a battle with mental health and Hilda Jones who is suffering the effects of Dementia.

“Never in a million years would any of us think we could run two miles, let alone a half marathon, however we have all accepted the challenge to raise as much money as possible for two charities that are close to all of our hearts. Both mental health and Dementia are health conditions and illness’s that affect people’s lives all too frequently.

“The most ironic thing is when Harry was ever asked to go for a walk or any form of exercise, he would say “No, I’m not a dog” so Harry we are all dogs and doing this so keep laughing.”

Steve Greenman, Harry’s father, and Helen Bridges, Hilda’s daughter, organised the event, bringing everyone together to raise awareness for the two much-loved family members.

Steve told The Journal: “We, as a family, would like to thank all friends, family and colleagues for their continued support throughout these awful times. Without the combined support we would never have made it through. We are forever indebted.

“Harry was only 23 when he thought the only option was to take his own life. He was a hilarious boy with everything to live for and above all adored by all who knew him.

“When asking people how they are, ask multiple times. ‘Hello, how are you?’ Is meaningless when asked once. It’s treated as a greeting. Follow up by asking ‘Yes, but how are you really?’ Hopefully the true feelings will then come out.”

The team of runners will be wearing t-shirts with Harry’s photograph on the back, stating ‘Don’t just be a memory, ask for help’.

Helen spoke of the importance of raising awareness for dementia, saying: “My mum was diagnosed with the early stages of dementia. Both me and my sister try to make life easier for mum as she travels through life living with this horrible disease that eventually will take her from us.

“Thankfully there are organisations out there that give us tremendous support whenever we need it, so I feel that raising awareness for Alzheimer’s and dementia will help to give our support back.”

Jamie Still, Event Director Great Bristol Run, said: “We’re delighted that Steve, Helen and their team of runners will be joining us at this year’s Great Bristol Run and we wish all of them the very best of luck. They’re taking on a great challenge for such important causes and we hope they have a brilliant time on the day. “An inclusive celebration of running, the Great Bristol Run takes runners past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, past buzzing crowds and blazing music – offering plenty of encouragement to help all the Radstock runners on their way.”

Bristol Half-Marathon will take place on the 25th September 2022.

There’s still time to enter this year’s Great Bristol Run, which also includes a 10k and Family Mile.

If you would like to support the team, please donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-money-for-mind-and-dementia-uk