Burntwood father runs London Marathon in memory of son Zac

A Burntwood father is preparing to run the London Marathon dressed as a bear in memory of his son Zac, who died after developing an infection caused by Group B Strep.

Tim Taylor-Smith hopes the challenge will raise funds for Group B Strep Support while also encouraging more open conversations about grief among fathers.

Alongside the fundraising challenge, Tim has launched Fit To Grieve, a platform exploring how movement and exercise can help fathers cope with the experience of losing a child.

After losing Zac, Tim found that physical activity — particularly running, walking and training — became one of the few things that helped him process grief and maintain some sense of stability.

Through speaking with other bereaved fathers, he realised many men struggle to find spaces where they feel able to talk openly about grief, particularly after the loss of a child. That experience led him to create Fit To Grieve.

Supporting Fathers Through Movement

Fit To Grieve is a growing online platform and community focused on supporting grieving fathers through physical activity and shared experience.

The idea is simple: movement can be a starting point for healing. The platform encourages men to take small steps back into life through exercise, whether that is walking, running, strength training or simply spending time outdoors.

For many men, the idea of joining a formal support group can feel overwhelming. Fit To Grieve aims to provide a first step — a space where fathers can begin reconnecting with themselves through movement, conversation and shared experience.

Alongside fitness-focused content, the platform also encourages open discussion around grief, mental health and fatherhood after loss.

At its heart, the project aims to provide a safe and reflective space where fathers can feel understood and less alone.