Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I have taken on the challenge of a lifetime- Climb Kilimanjaro.

 

The challenge is from 9-19 February 2012

 

There is a reason for this challenge- to raise funds for the Gastroenterology team and their research project at Great Ormond Street Hospital, who care for our daughter, Lucy and 2 other children we have come to know well from being at the hospital- Ben & Izzy Bateman. This research project is already giving benefit to the management of their condition. As their parents- Helen, Paul, Jo & myself are incredibly proud of how they cope, daily, with their condition.

 

The project is looking into understanding the genetic causes and improving therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.

 

Lucy has had a 'gastro' condition since birth and earlier this year she had 2 major abdominal surgeries at the hospital-she was an in-patient for 9 weeks as we did not expect the complications that arose. She has had part of her colon removed and copes daily with an ileostomy and a direct opening to her colon.

Lucy's condition is very complex and rare, it required the input and management from the top gastroenterologists and surgeons in the country. They never give up, even though it isn't clear what will happen next.

 

Ben's disease caused him to be in severe amounts of pain and he became very malnourished. He had been fed by a tube into his nose, then stomach and finally his bowel. Despite this he continued in pain and lost weight. In January 2010 he spent 6 weeks in GOSH and the rare decision was made to put him on parenteral nutrition, this is where he's fed directly into his heart. He has now been nil-by-mouth since then and is fed intravenously over night. He would love to eat again but that isn't currently possible.

 

Izzy thankfully has the disease to a lesser extent but is on a very restricted diet and suffers with pain on a daily basis. One of the research aims is to look at why children like Izzy aren't as badly affected as Ben & Lucy.

 

This is why raising the funds is so crucial- the more they can learn, the better for all children who may come along like Lucy, Ben & Izzy. It is not yet clear what the future will hold for their condition but with a hospital team at the front of world-leading medicine they have the best possible chance.

 

I had to raise £4000 by the end of the year but we have decided to double that target- the patients who visit GOSH deserve the best I can do!

 

There are many times we fell we are climbing a mountain. I will use the inspiration of watching Lucy cope with all she did, at the age of 7, and that of Ben aged 5 and Izzy aged 7 to encourage my own climb.

 

We know that there are many worthwhile charities out there but please consider Lucy, Ben & Izzy and making a difference whilst also knowing where the money will go. I have a large amount to raise so all contributions are gratefully received and if you feel like joining in the fund raising challenge with us please contact my trusted fund manager- Jo!!

 

We are hoping you will support us.

 

Best wishes

Jim, Jo, Olly & Lucy xxx

Helen, Paul, Ben & Izzy xxx

 

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Obligatory statement: "I am participating in a trek to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's charity. I have guaranteed to raise at least £3950 for the charity, of which approximately 50 per cent will be used to pay the costs of my flight and accommodation"