We're running the Oxford Half on 16th October 2022 to help raise money for Helen & Douglas House children's hospice. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

In December 2018 our second son Finley was born. To our complete shock Finley had been born with a genetic disorder but no one quite knew what. Finley spent the first three weeks of his life in Neonatal
before coming home just in time for Christmas. The next few months of Finley’s life were full of endless appointments and constant fear and worry. In March 2019 we received a diagnosis. Our beautiful boy had been born with a rare, life limiting condition known as Schinzel-Giedeon Syndrome. As a result of the condition Finley has a number of medical issues including sight and hearing impairments, seizures, skull and body deformities and is fed through a gastrostomy.

Myself and my husband David have been caring for Finley since birth and have adapted to a very different way of life. Fortunately for us we are able to spend time at Helen and Douglas House in Oxford. The children’s hospice provides us with much needed family respite several times a year. When there Finley is cared for by a team of amazing nurses and doctors in the most peaceful and
caring environment. Myself and David and our eldest son Danny are able to relax, enjoy home cooked meals, catch up on much needed sleep and most importantly spend quality time together without the daily worry and pressures of caring for Finley.

As a charity Helen and House rely heavily on donations and public support. We would be devastated and at a complete loss if this tranquil little haven was no more. Myself and my family are so grateful to everyone who has helped to donate and raise money for
this incredible charity. Never in a million years did we expect to find
ourselves in this situation but with the support of Helen House we are able to manage Finley’s condition and enjoy what time we have with him.

Please help my family and other families who face every parent’s worst nightmare by continuing to give generously.