It's the first time (and quite possibly the last) that I will attempt a run like this.  I'm not a runner, never have been and am just beginning training - it's hard!!  I have much respect for all those of you that do this sort of thing often, or even for fun -  I'm not sure I'll ever catch the running bug but I'm doing it now for two great reasons.

Two of my nieces, Izzie (age 9) and Siena age (3) were both born with such complex special needs that my sister and her family face a daily struggle with lifting, transporting, feeding, medicating, cleaning and caring for both of them.  

That's two wheelchairs, two undiagnosed conditions (they are both non verbal and unable to walk) two times life threatening epilepsy (in Siena's case uncontrolled by any drugs so far), two sets of relentless appointments and an uphill struggle with the NHS and all care agencies to get the most basic of items they need to progress in life. 

Despite all these challenges, my sister, with those that support her, manages to get through every day and care for her whole family including her wonderful 'healthy' children who are by definition young carers for their sisters.

Any money that I raise will go directly to Tree of Hope into a treatment fund for both of the girls.  The aim is to send them to the USA where there is groundbreaking new treatment available to those that can pay, to reduce/control their epilepsy, it could change their lives.

I understand that Steve called on lots of you last year for his amazing cycling challenge, so for those that can please donate, for those that cannot I am happy to tell Izzie and Siena's story - 

https://www.facebook.com/wearespecialsisters/

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