Thanks for visiting my fundraising page!

 Last year, my Dad and I planned to run the London Marathon together in tribute to and in memory of my youngest sister Amy (pictured left) who was killed in a car accident in November 2003 with one of her best friends Anthony Clarke. She was on a gap year before starting a Law & Politics degree at Newcastle University and was weeks away from flying out to Australia for a working holiday.

Unfortunately an injury in training forced me to abandon the marathon on the day which was bitterly disappointing but I was so proud of my fantastic Dad who at the ripe old age of 64, ran valiantly without me and not only did a jaw droppingly brilliant time but also raised masses of money for his chosen charity "Children with Leukemia".i've got a lot to live up to!

This year I feel extremely privileged to also run to raise funds for The Children's Trust which is a fantastic national charity working with children who have multiple disabilities and complex health needs.  Around 70% of the children at the Trust have an acquired brain injury, as the result of an unfortunate accident like Amy's, or illness.

The Trust acts like a bridge between hospital and home and offers support and guidance to rehabilitate and provides transitional care for children to adapt to their new circumstance. The aim is to help each child gain as much independence as possible to enable them to return to their family and friends and participate in full-time education.

The charity is staffed by teams of dedicated professionals including experienced nursing and care staff, doctors, therapists, teachers,social workers and hospital play specialists who provide care at their 24 acre site in Tadworth, Surrey as well as in the family home and in the community across the UK.

If everyone who reads this page donates just a few pounds you will be helping to transform the lives of so many children who need your help. in terms of community support, continuing and palliative care for those children who are unable to return home becauseof their very complex needs, Outreach services where nurses and care assistants provide support in the family home, and end-of-life support.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Children's Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now - I am extremely grateful for your support and generosity.

Love and thanks Jo x