On the 28th of August 2013 my son Harry came into the world, he had some problems at birth, but no more than any other normal child .

A few hours later we would learn that he had a condition called Hydrocephalus, The condition causes a blockage in the ventricles of the brain and does not allow fluid to drain from round the brain, crushing the brain with its own fluid,  it’s a condition that will affect Harry for the rest of his life,  he under went his first life saving operation at five days old, He has subsequently had a further three operations the last one in 2020 during the pandemic.

As a family we are so lucky, Harry is much better off than most children with his condition he’s our miracle child, Now at the age of eight he still has many challenges ahead of him including getting a proper education, but luckily his physical challenges are now behind him due to the great work done by the Nurses, doctors and surgeons who have treated Harry during his various stays in hospital.

In September 2020 I decided that I wanted to lose some weight, since then I’ve lost over five stone in weight, and now enjoy running and cycling,  to begin with I couldn’t run more than a few hundred yards, now I can run long distances without the need for my asthma pump, When I run I think about all the challenges my son has had to face in his young life, and think if he can achieve everything he has, then I owe it to him to try my best in everything I do.

Harry is a very funny, loving child who try’s his best at everything he does, I hope that by losing weight and running the Surrey half marathon, I can show him that nothing is impossible as long as you are determined enough to succeed, impossible is nothing after all.

I am raising money for Shine a Charity that provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life.Everything we do is made possible by our generous supporters. Your fundraising efforts help individuals and families in your local communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Every donation has the potential for profound impact.

On behalf of Myself and Harry, THANK YOU for supporting Shine!