Three siblings from Somerset—Emily Brenchley, 37, William Brenchley, 35, and Charlie Rich-Lynes, 33—are preparing to run the Barry Island 10K this Father’s Day, honoring the memory of their father, Tom Brenchley, who died last year at age 72.
Tom, a devoted fan of the Welsh seaside town of Barry Island, passed away from pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart’s lining. This race marks the siblings’ first Father’s Day without him, and they hope to raise funds in his memory.
Emily, who lives in Yeovil and works as a Client Service Manager for the Cancer Screening Trust as well as a hypnotherapist, recalls how quickly their father’s health declined. “Dad was usually a big character, full of life, but during a family trip to Greece last May for Charlie’s wedding, he seemed quiet, reserved, and unlike himself,” she said. “He mentioned having heart issues, and soon after returning home, he was admitted to University Hospital Wales.”
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Despite having medical professionals in the family—William is a GP and Charlie a district nurse—the siblings faced challenges coordinating care from different parts of the country. They temporarily relocated to Cardiff to be close by, facing the heartbreaking reality that their father’s condition would likely be fatal.
Tom passed away on June 25, 2024. Emily shared the emotional aftermath, “We’re all grieving in our own way. Charlie is grateful Dad was there to walk her down the aisle, and William’s wife gave birth to their daughter Seren the very day Dad died—a bittersweet moment for the family.”
Barry Island held special significance for Tom, who moved to Cardiff during William’s university years and frequently visited the area. The family fondly remembers beach visits and fish and chips outings with him. “Running the Barry Island 10K on Father’s Day felt like the perfect tribute,” Emily explained. “Before he passed, Dad joked he’d come back as a seagull. We’ve all gotten seagull tattoos in his honor and feel sure he’ll be flying over the beach, cheering us on.”
The Barry Island 10K takes place on Sunday, June 15. Although general entries are now sold out, runners can still participate by supporting lead charity Cancer Research Wales. Matt Newman, CEO of Run 4 Wales, the event organizer, expressed support for the family and all participants aiming to raise funds in memory of loved ones.