Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

17 years ago, our lives were changed forever when my Dad suffered a stroke and was left with a condition called Locked-in-Syndrome. As the name suggests, he's been left a prisoner in his own body, unable to move or speak, communicating through a combination of blinking and lip reading methods. Even though he is so limited physically, he is completely aware of everything and everybody around him and remains the person he was inside before he had the stroke.

Despite all the challenges and frustrations that my Dad faces every minute of every day, I have never heard him complain. He has shown such inner strength, amazing humour, and courage and I am so, so proud of the way he faces his challenges every day.

So, with my Dad's bravery and determination in mind, I have decided to run the London Marathon this year...being fairly new to running I feel this is going to be one of my biggest challenges yet!

I have decided to run for Leonard Cheshire because they are simply amazing! Last year my Dad was lucky enough to be moved to a Leonard Cheshire care home and here his quality of life has improved dramatically.  The impact this has had on us all as a family has been phenomenal. The care that Dad receives is outstanding and the activities made available to residents are just brilliant. They range from quizzes to campaigns, painting to political debates, gardening to glam rock days!

The care and hard work that is put into the day to day running of this home, the focus on empowering people living with a disability and the encouragement given to people to break down preconceived barriers in their lives is inspirational. All of the money I raise will go directly to the home my Dad is living in and the residents will be able to decide together on how they want this money spent, whether it’s on a new piece of equipment, an event, or on a campaign. So every penny will be going to a very special cause.

Please help me support this wonderful charity.

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