Hello! I'm running the Bristol 10k on May 5th and raising funds for the Grand Appeal, with all proceeds going to the Bristol Children's Hospital.

My son Reuben was born in acute renal failure (resulting from hydronephrosis of a single kidney--sheer bad luck), and doctors assumed he would be on dialysis shortly thereafter. 19 months, 3 surgeries, 4 hospital stays, and many days of laughter and tears later and his health is relatively stable, though with precarious kidney function. We're hoping a recent surgery will help to extend the life of his kidney, but whatever happens, Reuben will continue receiving quality care from the Bristol Children's Hospital. The care of the doctors and nurses at the BCH saved Reuben's life, and I am proud to be raising money for such a wonderful organization.

(Note to all American friends and family: Reuben's healthcare, as with all residents of the UK on the NHS National Health Service, is free and inclusive. Had he been born with a surprise serious health condition in the U.S., his hospital bills at this point would be in the hundreds of thousands. The Grand Appeal charity provides extra amenities to the Children's Hospital, such as new medical equipment/toys/furniture in addition to decorative wall murals/craft supplies/fish tanks in addition to educational/music/play activities that make the hospital a much more pleasant place for children (and thus their parents!) both to visit and to stay. The Grand Appeal was started by Nick Park, the creator of Wallace and Gromit, which was created and filmed in Bristol. If you've never seen it, check it out--amazing stopmotion claymation.)

 

http://www.grandappeal.org.uk/about-us