Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am attempting my first ever half marathon! I am hoping to complete the Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sunday 27th May. I am running to raise funds for the Ronald MacDonald House at John Radcliffe Hospital.

This charity has supported families at St Paul’s School over the years, more recently Edwin and his family. Over to Edwin: 

"In March of this year the surgeons at John Radcliffe Hospital removed a benign tumour the size of a tomato from my brain. The doctors and nurses looked after me and now my headaches are gone. I’ve got a really impressive scar that is fading by the day. My parents stayed with me all the time and were so impressed with the hard work, the care, compassion and expertise of the team and how well we were all looked after."

Edwin’s parents were incredibly fortunate that they were able to have a room at Ronald MacDonald House for the entire week that Edwin was in hospital. Not only was it a bed each, with a bathroom, and access to kitchen, laundry and lounge facilities; the room was just one floor above the ward where Edwin was staying. Mum and Dad could take turns to have quiet time, sleep away from the hubbub of the ward, wash clothes and prepare food, and know that they could be with Edwin in a matter of minutes as needed. Having this safe space made a huge difference to all the family. Edwin’s parents could both be with him, all the time, rather than only one sleeping on the bed next to him and the other having to find accommodation outside the hospital. Ronald MacDonald House was where Edwin’s neurosurgeon found them to share the news that Edwin’s tumour was benign and also the only private space in the hospital where they could get a clear phone signal and receive much needed support from friends and family. Without their room in Ronald MacDonald House, Edwin's parents would not have been able to be together, with Edwin, for the entire duration of his stay at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Thanks again. Wish me luck!

PS 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.