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I am doing the Three Peaks Challenge in Memory of Aidan Pond who passed away on 1st March aged 19months. Aidan fought bravely against the terrible illness Mitochondrial Disease.  This is a complex, genetic disease in which the muscles are gravely effected (the mitochondria being like the batteries to our cells). Sadly, effects different children in different ways, but mostly as in Aidan's particular case, is rapidly progressive and sadly there is currently no cure.  Aidan was a bright little boy trapped in a failing body, because he had no cure, all that could be done was to treat the symptoms as opposed to the cause. The family were given so much support from Chestnut Tree House Children's hospice during Aidan's short life and the hospice continue to support them during this difficult time by offering bereavement counselling to Aidan's parents Simon and Lucy and to his older Sister Evie. Whilst Aidan was in hospital for the last 4 months of his life, he was too sick to go to the children's hospice for family time but because the hospice also offer community support, Aidan's key worker was able to visit him in hospital and bring craft and messy play for him to do. She was a trained nurse (as are all the carer's at the hospice) which meant that she could look after and entertain Aidan to give his parents a rest and some time with their daughter. Although Aidan never got to the hospice, his family will attend the remembrance services and lay a pebble with his name on in the garden of peace. Chestnut Tree House relies solely on charity donations. The work they do with the children and respite care they provide is hugely valuable to families of sick and disabled children.

The Three Peaks Challenge involves walking the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. This is the first time I have done such a challenge but am greatly looking forward to it and enjoying the training so far!

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Maria x