In 2018, I met Helen at a prenatal class. I was pregnant with Noah and Helen with Margot. They were born a day apart. Helen and I became firm friends, a friendship that saw us through Noah and Margot’s first year and beyond. I am forever grateful our paths crossed.

Now Margot faces her biggest challenge. In April 2024, at the age of 5, Margot was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Having already had brain surgery, Margot is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, with radiotherapy and further chemotherapy scheduled over the next 12 months. For those who know Helen, Simon, Delilah, and Margot, you’ll know that they will face Margot’s treatment as a family, head-on, with a heart full of love. As Helen tells me, "a day at a time, a step at a time."

Sharing a love of running, Helen and I have been running together—sometimes walking, always talking. During one of those runs, Helen told me about her desire to set up 'Miles for Margot.' On the spot, I committed to doing all I can to help her, as she’s always done for me, and anyone she's friends with.

Testament to them as a family, as they face this unimaginable time, they want to raise money for others. Helen and Simon have set up 'Miles for Margot' to raise money for the Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation.

My promise is that I, along with my family (Andy and Noah), will run to raise money for 'Miles for Margot'. We will put one foot in front of the other for this incredibly special family and my very good friend.

Andy and I will be running the Great North Run in September, the Kielder Half Marathon in October, and Noah will be running the Junior Great North Run. Throughout the year, and into next, we’ll keep adding in runs wherever we can, and will update the page with our progress.

As I turn 40 this year, if you would buy me a drink or send me a card for turning 40, can I ask you to put that money towards 'Miles for Margot' and I will be so very grateful.

All my love,

Holly Xx

A note from Helen & Simon:

Our youngest daughter, Margot (aged 5) sadly received a brain tumour diagnosis in April 2024, which devastated our family and instantly turned our lives upside down.

Margot has already been through so much and has had to show bravery in circumstances which no child should have to deal with. Her treatment will continue for the next year and we are at the beginning of a long and difficult road, which will test us in so many ways.

Margot's tumour was spotted by the amazing paediatric team at the Great North Children's Hospital. She went to the top of their priority list in an instant and they acted so quickly. She had brain surgery just 2 days after her diagnosis and is under the care of a world-leading specialist team, whose expertise and kindness have no limits. Margot is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, with radiotherapy and further chemotherapy over the next 12 months. Everyone we have encountered on the neurological and oncology wards at the Great North Children's Hospital, from the consultants, surgeons and anaesthetists, to the nurses cleaners, play specialists and everyone in between have been incredible and we couldn't ask for kinder people to guide us through this darkest of times.

We want to show our gratitude to these wonderful people by raising as much money as possible to support their incredible work. This starts with the 3 Peaks Challenge, the Great North Run and the Kielder Marathon, with other events to be thrown in as we go forward. Together, these challenges are our "Miles for Margot" and every mile we cover is one step closer to hitting our goal.

Donations to the Great North Childrens Hospital Foundation support the many children and their families who come to the hospital for treatment and care, making their experience the best it possibly can be.

Innovations that really make a difference to patients and staff including life changing research, cutting-edge equipment and technology are funded by donations along with initiatives to support the wellbeing and development of staff.

Evidence shows that children have a quicker recovery when they are in an environment they enjoy and the team strives to make GNCH as welcoming and friendly as it can be.