Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

For some reason I decided that running the Cheltenham half marathon would be a good idea, and that it would be easy. After telling a few people it seemed I'd secured my own fate in the matter so here I am!

Before Christmas, 19th December 2013, our daughter Beatrice was suddenly taken very ill. Gemma took her to Warwick Hospital and from there she was rushed to Birmingham Children's Hospital. She went downhill fast but the problem, an intussusception (where the gut telescopes in on itself creating a blockage), was diagnosed and she was treated quickly.

At not quite 8 months old she had to undergo surgery to rectify the problem. We spent 5 long days at the hospital until she was released, just in time to spend our 1st Christmas together.

Running this half marathon therefore is an opportunity for me to say thank you to the wonderful staff at the hospital who took care of our little girl. When you praise the staff they tell you "it's my job" but the way they care can't be taught. These nurses and Doctors are angels who often show a level of care over and above the call of duty. Along with the support of our family and friends they helped us through a dark time and whatever gratitude I can show, I will.

Beatrice has made a full recovery but will carry a scar. Thankfully she won't remember a thing but we know what she went through and will never forget.

If you're still reading this and want to donate to this cause please do.

You don't have to take a selfie (unless you really want to) or do anything other than pop a few quid in the kitty online or by text and you will be donating to a fantastic cause safe in the knowledge that I, a non runner, will be flailing about for 13 miles all for a good cause! That's got to be worth a donation in itself, hasn't it?!!

Thank you everyone.

George x

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