A TEACHER whose father died while climbing Africa's highest peak is running the Brentwood Half Marathon in aid of a charity which helps people cope with the grief of losing a loved one.
Lorna Rae, 29, is taking part in tomorrow's 13-mile challenge in aid of the Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service (HBBS).
A similar charity helped her overcome the grief of losing her 57-year-old father Tom, who died just two hours from the 4,600m summit of Kilimanjaro in December 2011 after suffering a fatal pulmonary oedema.
Mr Rae, who lived in Hutton and worked for Aon Benfield insurance, had taken on the climb with his two sons Alexander and Jonathan in aid of Help for Heroes, The Irish Guards Appeal and Save the Children.
Miss Rae, a teacher at St Thomas of Canterbury Infant School in Sawyers Hall Lane, said: "After learning to ride a bike at the grand old age of 28, a half marathon seemed the obvious choice for 2013.
"So with the help of my nearest and dearest, I have donned my trainers and been training hard.
"I have found training difficult due to the snow and dark nights, but I have tried to get out a few times a week, as well as attending British Military Fitness in Chelmsford – a great bunch to enthuse you and keep exercise fun in boot camp-style regime.
"Last October I took part in a 10km assault course with the BMF Chelmsford lot called the Major Series and it was great fun.
"But more importantly, I lost my Dad suddenly in December 2011.
"He was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with my two brothers to raise money for charities.
"It was the last day of the climb and he was not far from the summit when he suffered from high altitude pulmonary oedema, which sadly led to his death.
"It was tragic and not something we expected at all as he was a healthy 57-year-old."
She continued: "I have always been a talker, it's my way of dealing with things.
"But when it came to talking to friends or family about my feelings and what happened I really struggled to open up.
"After a suggestion from a work colleague, I thought I would try counselling.
"I was surprised that this is not a service offered by the NHS and so struggled at first to find an organisation to help me but when I did I was really grateful.
"I found speaking to someone that was separate from myself and the situation a fantastic support through a really sad time."
She added: "It is still a sad time but the support I was given has helped me to deal with what I experienced.
"I recognise that this support can help others as well. I know talking is not everyone's way, but it is for some and when you are confronted with grief in your life I would like to think that it would be available to you if you wanted it.
"Charities like HBBS offer a support system for both adults and children which are all funded by charitable donations.
Donations can be made via Lorna's Virgin Money Giving page on http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ LornaRae1
