Showcasing our people

Ed Franklin, Business Intelligence Manager
Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting UK

Amelia had two children and was suffering from undiagnosed post-natal depression during a time when visiting relatives was difficult because of the pandemic.  This meant that her mental health struggles were hidden from family and friends and her passing came as a complete shock to everyone who knew her. 

Last year I was lucky enough to win a ballot to run the 2023 London Marathon, which coincided with the marking of Amelia’s two-year anniversary of being absent from our lives. Since Amelia passed away in March 2021, I have been trying to raise awareness of the risks of suicide and decided to use my marathon place to fundraise for an organisation called PAPYRUS which is the leading youth suicide prevention charity in the UK. One of the crucial services they provide is HOPELINE UK, a free and confidential support and advice service for children and people under the age of 35 experiencing thoughts of suicide. Like all charities, PAPYRUS relies on the generosity of donors and fundraisers to continue their life-saving work.

Before embarking on my marathon training, I was not a runner. In fact, it took a month of running three times a week for me to even look forward to it. Plus, my stride and technique needed correcting by a coach to reduce my risk of injury but thanks to his instruction, I was able to run the London Marathon in 4hr 48m which I am pleased with.

Alongside perfecting my running technique and getting in the training miles, I also had to reach out to my personal and professional networks to make sure I was doing the best possible fundraising job I could. At times it was difficult discussing the personal traumatic event I’ve experienced with others so openly, but it was a positive experience listening to others’ stories and breaking down some misconceptions on the way.

Never in my life did I imagine that I would attempt a half marathon hike and I knew it would be quite the challenge for someone who considers exercise to be driving to the McDonalds Drive Thru and using my electric windows to pay and collect! From the moment I signed up, my training began, walking any spare moment I could find.

Finally, the big day arrived and it was time to put my ‘training’ to the test. 

The hike started in the town of Callander, Scotland on an overcast and at times rainy day.  From Callander, the hike took us through the most spectacular countryside of Balquhidder, taking in the landmarks of Loch Lubnaig and Loch Voil enroute. 

After what seemed like miles, actually it was 9.6 miles to be precise, we stopped for food, water, rest and medical intervention, if required. Then it was back on the trail for a water stop at 11.5 miles where, for the first time, it felt like the finish line was within reaching distance. At the 13 mile marker I left a pink flower for my Mum and was thrilled to have finished…only I hadn’t. It turns out the course is 14.5 miles long and that last 1.5 miles nearly broke me because in my head I was done.

After I finally reached the finish line at Auchleskine Farm in Lochearnhead, Perthshire, I enjoyed the ‘all you can eat buffet’ with a glass of fizz and reflected upon what a worthwhile experience it had been (it’s funny how time heals)! The feeling of having completed the hike in memory of my mother and to have raised nearly £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support was incredible. 

My next challenge is to get a bit fitter and do the full 26 miles so If you’d like to join me or choose from one of the other 23 MacMillan Mighty Hikes in a region near you, Macmillan Cancer Support would appreciate it.

It was a great day, organised so professionally with brilliant support for the walkers but, if you are doing a marathon distance, my recommendation is that you do some training first!

Besides work, and my wife & kids, I have a passion for music that started when I was just a child. In fact, I have been playing the guitar since I was 12! I grew up in the London/Kingston on Thames area and, along with my fellow band members, spent my wasted youth playing in pubs and clubs and basically just having a good time. 

When I married and had a family the realisation that I needed to become responsible and pay bills hit home and my work became more of a focus, but, whenever I got the opportunity, I would escape to my favourite guitar and the very loud rock music that calms and relaxes me and reassures me all is good in the world.

I have a very good friend at Wolters Kluwer, Scan Atkins, who is a very well connected guitar player and he has invited me to play a few gigs with him which has been amazing. Much of the time Scan’s music is supporting charities which makes it even more of a privilege for me.