Last year, teams from across the UK took part in Race for a Reason, a nationwide charity challenge inspired by Race Across the World, travelling from Anfield to Stamford Bridge to raise funds and awareness for Alfie’s Squad – the UK’s first peer-support network dedicated to children and young people bereaved by suicide.
Why Alfie’s Squad matters
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK, with around 6,000 lives lost each year. Each death affects at least 135 people – including thousands of children – yet specialist support for suicide-bereaved young people remains extremely limited.
Alfie’s Squad exists to fill that gap. Built around play, activity and peer connection, the programme allows children to talk if they want to – or simply be children again – without pressure or explanation.
Evidence of real, lasting impact
An independent evaluation by Liverpool John Moores University demonstrates the effectiveness of Alfie’s Squad’s approach. The research found that the peer-support model reduces isolation, builds confidence and emotional wellbeing, and helps children form meaningful friendships.
After just eight weeks, 100% of children said they looked forward to attending. Within six months, all participants had made new friends, with more than 90% reporting improved confidence and wellbeing. Parents and carers also described feeling less isolated, often forming lasting support networks of their own.
The FPC connection
FPC’s connection to Alfie’s Squad began through MWOTY, when Allison Furlong was named Women of Courage Winner in 2023. Allison launched Alfie’s Squad alongside her son Alfie, after Alfie lost his dad to suicide in May 2017 at the age of eight. Together, they created a unique, child-led support model designed to help children feel less isolated, make new friends, and rebuild confidence following devastating loss.
Inspired by Allison and Alfie’s story – and the tangible difference Alfie’s Squad is making – Moira and Bernice were one of the teams that took part in Race for a Reason and thanks to the tremendous support of clients, professional partners, suppliers, along with friends and family, they raised an extraordinary £10,272, with a further £1,980.50 in Gift Aid, bringing the total to £12,252.50 to support children and families navigating life after suicide loss.
What made the event so powerful wasn’t just the scale of the challenge, but the reason behind it. Every mile travelled will go towards helping fund more Alfie’s Squad Hubs – safe, activity-based spaces where children and young people can connect with others who truly understand their experience, while parents and carers receive parallel support.
From fundraising to futures changed
It costs £18,000 to run one Alfie’s Squad Hub for a year, and events like Race for a Reason are vital in making that possible. The funds raised by Moira, Bernice and other teams directly support the expansion of this essential network, helping ensure more children and families can access specialist support closer to home.
Following the success of last year’s challenge, Race for a Reason is returning later this year. If you’d like to take part, sponsor a team, or simply find out more about getting involved, please get in touch – every mile, and every pound raised, really does make a difference.