Tamsin’s tribute goes the extra mile at Ryston Hall

Friends and family of Tamsin Grundy, a 23-year-old who took her own life last year, gathered at Ryston Hall on Saturday to raise money for Maytree.

The ‘Going That Extra Mile’ run at Ryston had attendees from Tamsin’s high school Wisbech Grammar School, her University, the University of Birmingham, and those who knew her from “all walks of life”.

Individuals could choose from a 5k run or a 2k walk, depending on their stamina.

Those who finished the run first, would then take a Maytree wristband and head to the back to support the person who was not as fast.

Maytree was a charity that Tamsin herself “had a lot of time for”.

It is a one-of-a-kind facility located in London that caters for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

David Grundy, Tamsin’s father said of the charity: “The centre allows people to stay when they need some space, if they are feeling suicidal the staff are specially trained to deal with that.

“I hope to see more facilities like this in the future.”

Maytree essentially creates a space to offer individuals a service that the NHS is to overwhelmed to cater for, and provides individual attention where it is needed.

David said: “It represents support, standing next to someone when you need them, that’s what this is all about.”

Even a burst water main did not deter them as they “waded” through the water with gusto.

After the run was finished, everyone bundled into a marquee where they were treated to a barbecue and drinks kindly provided by Elgoods brewery.

David said: “It was a great day and we raised £3,000, not counting donations from the fundraising online.

“Altogether it’s around £5,000; our hope is that it helps someone truly in need.”

Tamsin was found in the bedroom of her home at Ryston Road, Denver, last July. An inquest gave the cause of death as suicide.