For most people who know me, the idea of me doing the London Marathon will be a fair surprise. 

In lockdown 2020, I basically sat down a lot! In lockdown 2021, I decided to try and run a bit but couldn't do a 5k without stopping. I've progressively built up to some semblance of fitness (in my mind!!) and decided to challenge myself to run 1000km in 2022. In ticking off some of those runs this year, I decided it's now or never. 

My aim is to finish, my expectation is that it will be an extraordinary experience, my hope is that I can look back and proudly say "I've finished a marathon". 

By some margin, the London Marathon is the biggest single fundraising event on earth. I clearly needed a charity to support. I've decided to fundraise for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). This is why...

The Crabtree family is lucky as we've never needed to spend any time at GOSH. However, we have experienced the amazing response by the NHS after my eldest daughter, Sophie, was involved in a serious accident when she was 8 (she recovered completely by the way). Any parent who has experienced what it feels like when the NHS reacts to a major illness, injury or medical situation for your child will understand how I feel. They were amazing. They threw the might of their experience, skills and effort at us without restriction. I honestly believe there was nothing better in the world that could have been done for Soph. I am incredibly grateful to them and so I'm incredibly proud to support GOSH as I go about my jogging challenge. 

Thank you

Ben

By the way, did you know the royalties from Peter Pan help fund GOSH?

- James Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, lived in Grenville Street, behind GOSH in a house that became the inspiration for the Darlings’ family home.

- In 1929, the popularity of both the play and the novel were firmly established. Barrie had already supported GOSH over many years and in 1929 he was approached to sit on a committee to help buy land, so that the Hospital could build a much-needed new wing. Barrie declined but said that he ‘hoped to find another way to help’. Two months later, the Hospital board was stunned to learn that Barrie had donated all his rights for Peter Pan to GOSH. 

- Through this gift, the hospital began to receive royalties every time a production of the play was on, as well as from the sale of Peter Pan books and other products. Barrie requested that the amount raised for the hospital from Peter Pan never be revealed, and GOSH has always honoured his wishes.

- The House of Lords sprinkled more fairy dust over GOSH in 1988, by voting overwhelmingly for a special clause in the UK’s Copyright Designs & Patents Act. This amendment gives the hospital the right to a royalty from Peter Pan in perpetuity.

- So, for over 80 years, the story of Peter Pan and his battle against arch-enemy Captain Hook has enchanted children and adults alike, and continues to benefit the seriously ill children who come to GOSH for life-saving treatment every day.

For more information about the work GOSH does and to find out where Team GOSH's fundraising will go visit the website: https://www.gosh.org/what-we-do