A police officer covering St Albans and Harpenden is set to run the London Marathon this month, in memory of his sister.

Ed Franklin, who works as a Special Constable, will complete the 26.2 mile event on Sunday, April 23. 

Ed's sister, Amelia, died by suicide following a bout of undiagnosed post-natal depression, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The police officer is running to raise money for PAPYRUS, a charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

PAPYRUS provides a number of services including 'HOPELINEUK', a free advice service for people under the age of 35 who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Ed has started a JustGiving page to raise money for the charity.

St Albans & Harpenden Review: Ed Franklin training for the London Marathon.Ed Franklin training for the London Marathon. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

So far, £5,270 has been donated of his £10,000 target.

Ed Franklin said: "In March 2021, my sister Amelia ended her life via suicide, aged just 35. She had two children.

"Tragically, with limited opportunities to see each other during lockdowns, none of her friends or family were able to spot the signs that she was unwell and struggling with post-natal depression.

                                                                                    

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"Her suicide was an enormous shock to me and everyone who knew her and highlights how mental health difficulties and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, and just how hard it can be to spot the signs.  

“In the time since her death, I’ve been doing my best to raise awareness of the risks of suicide, which is the biggest killer of people under 35 in the UK.

"I was lucky enough to win a ballot place for this year’s London Marathon and will be using it to raise awareness and funds for PAPYRUS while also marking the two-year anniversary of Amelia’s death.”

Further information about PAPYRUS can be found on the organisation's website: www.papyrus-uk.org

To donate to Ed's JustGiving page, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/amelia-franklin