Jacks Army, What Can I Say?

Posted May 13th 2013

Well Jacks Army what can I say to this picture? Truth be told, I am lost for words after yesterdays turnout at the 10k. I tried to talk to as many of you as possible yesterday but I ended up lost in the sea of green so my apologies if I didn’t get to speak to you in person. I know the true feeling of having a broken heart but yesterday, my heart felt so much love and support from each and every one you. I have never seen so much green in all of my life, looking at you all united as one for Jack was just amazing.

For me, the countdown to the start was a tough one, all I could hear was Jack shouting out all of the numbers. All I wanted was to make him proud. As I looked to my side, I could see all of my family and friends also filled with emotion and behind us all of Jacks Army raring to go. We really did paint Glasgow green! I could see Jacks Army every step of the way but half way round, the emotion was just too much. I miss my boy every day, but yesterday highlighted the reality of life without him. Everywhere I looked all I could see was Jack on peoples T-shirts smiling back at me. What I would do to see that smile just one more time and hear him say “come on mummy”.

As fate would have it, I crossed the finish line to Rhianna's 'Diamonds' playing. For those of you who don’t know, this song was one of Jacks favourite songs and it was played at his funeral so that was my emotions running again. For me, the hardest part was crossing that line and Jack not being there to give me a big cuddle. My best friends and family held my hand and gave me cuddles every step on the way but nothing compares to Jacks cuddles.

To say thank you seems meaningless in comparison to what you all did yesterday. From your families and friends, to the supporters who lined the routes in the rain cheering on Jacks Army, to the face painters and our beauty technicians, we are all so grateful. Thanks to Team Brightest Star for all the preparations leading up to the day and for all of their hard work on the day. These events would be impossible without them; they do so much of the work for me and help me in my darkest of hours.

I only started Brightest Star 3 months ago tomorrow and without each one of you, it would not be the success that it is today. We hope that you will continue to support us and come along to our events as without your support, my aims for the charity will only ever be a dream. It is with your support that maybe one day these dreams will become a reality.

Arlene, Jack's Mummy xx