Scotty mum takes on May Marathon for the charity that supports her children
For Pru Jeffers, the May Marathon isn’t just a way to support Scotty’s Little Soldiers. It’s a way to give back to the charity that supports her children, 13-year-old Alfie and 12-year-old Lily.
In 2019, Alfie and Lily’s dad, Royal Navy Leading Hand Simon Jeffers, died by suicide. He was 45 years old. Alfie and Lily were just 9 and 7.
Scotty mum Pru and her son, Alfie
Giving something back
Pru’s children have been Scotty Members for four years, and over this time she’s witnessed the positive impact of Scotty’s first-hand.
“I decided to run the May Marathon for Scotty’s Little Soldiers because I appreciate everything they’ve done for the kids and wanted to give something back. One of my children just started having bereavement support sessions with Scotty’s, and without them we’d probably be stuck on an NHS waiting list. It’s great that the kids have their own special services provided by the charity and know lots of other children in the same boat who have been through similar things.”
Pru continues: “It's like another family, in a way. The kids and I have made friends through Scotty’s and there's always somebody at the end of the phone. We also go on Scotty’s Breaks sometimes, and this July we’re going to Devon Cliffs which should be lovely. Last year we went to Butlins, which was nice as we once went there with the kids’ dad before he died. I wanted to do something in return.”
Alfie and Lily with their dad, Simon
Finding the time
This isn’t Pru’s first May Marathon. She also took on the challenge last year, and plans to use everything she learnt to make this year even better.
“Last year I was aiming for a mile a day, but the route I walk the dogs is just under a mile, so I'd often end up walking past my house to the end of the road, just to squeeze that bit extra in! This year me and my friend are planning to go on some proper three- or four-mile walks on my days off. I’m really looking forward to it. Apparently, you’re meant to walk 10,000 steps a day, but when we’re all so busy with our lives and kids and jobs, it can be really difficult to fit it in. I feel like I'm always here, there and everywhere, but I’m usually driving. The May Marathon is a chance for me to shift my priorities and focus on getting those steps in.”
Pru with Simon and her children
Having fun
The May Marathon is a great way to raise money for bereaved military children, but that’s not all. It’s also a great way to get outside and have some fun.
“I really enjoy it. A couple of weeks ago, me and my son went around a village down in Plymouth, which is just under four miles all the way around. Just being able to have those couple of hours was really nice, as I don’t usually allow myself that time as life can get so busy. Knowing it will all be to help a charity that supports the children and me really helps, too. I know if I were to get to that last day with three miles left, I would stay up until midnight to finish it if I had to.”
Alfie unwrapping his Scotty's birthday gift
There and back again
You can complete the May Marathon wherever you like – inside, outside or a bit of both. Pru already knows some places she wants to walk, and one of them holds a special place in her heart.
“I want to walk up to the beach, especially if it’s a nice sunny day. I might try and drag the kids along at some point, too. There’s also a place called Plymbridge Woods, which is lovely. You can see the river flowing from it and I used to go there with Simon and the kids when they were younger. Because I associate it with Simon, I think it will really feel like I'm helping the kids if I go there. My eldest son doesn’t live a million miles away either, so rather than driving to see him I might try walking there and back again.”
Simon with Alfie and Lily
A team effort
Pru isn’t the only one getting involved. Her children also enjoy getting stuck in and helping support the charity that supports them.
“The kids always appreciate everything Scotty’s does for them and like to get involved. My phone tracks how far I’ve walked, and last year Alfie said, “Mum, give your phone mum and I’ll run around for you!” This year he told me, since it’s a good cause, he’ll sponsor me with some of the pocket money he earns from doing chores. He wants to be involved, so I told him I'll double whatever he chooses to give me.”
Simon teaching the kids how to fish
Supporting bereaved military children
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a tri-service charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Services offered to Scotty’s members include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
If you know a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, they could be eligible for specialist bereavement support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need but we are here to help.
Sign up to Scotty’s May Marathon: May Marathon | Scotty's Little Soldiers (scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk)
Donate to Pru’s fundraiser: Scotty's Little Soldiers: May Marathon for Scottys Little Soldiers (enthuse.com)
If you are the parent or carer of a bereaved military child or young person, click here.
If you work with bereaved children & young people, click here.
If you are a bereaved young person seeking support, click here.
