Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
In just 5 weeks time I will be completing the hat trick and running my third London Marathon for The Sick Children’s Trust.
2 million children every year require critical treatment, and often have to go to specialist hospitals far from home. The Sick Children’s Trust is a charity that provides a welcoming ‘Homes from Home’ where families with a sick child in hospital can stay. Without them families would have to travel long distances, sleep in uncomfortable hospital chairs or pay for expensive hotels just to be by their sick child’s hospital bedside. Not only do they alleviate financial worries by providing a warm, comfortable 'Home from Home' free of charge 365 days a year, but they are also there to offer guidance and support, and to help the mental wellbeing of the families when they really need it.
This is a charity that is very close to my heart. In my 10 years of Headship both in Cambridge and currently in Stamford, I have had the pleasure of knowing a great number of brave and brilliant children who have undergone critical treatment, and whose families have been supported by the Sick Children’s Trust. In particular Chestnut House at the Rosie Maternity, Acorn House at Adddenbrookes and, from personal experience, Rainbow House at Great Ormond Street. The pain and trauma of having a child who is in need of urgent or critical care never leaves you. The care and dedication of the staff at The Sick Children’s Trust can make an unbearable situation seem a little more bearable.
Those of you who know me well will know that running has played an important part in my life for as long as I can remember. However post 40 it has been a huge challenge! Training through the cold and dark winter months has been a killer, and the constant moaning about aching legs is driving my family mad! Not to mention the confused looks from the children at Stamford Junior School as I hobble down the corridors! However, I know how much difference the fundraising will make to such a well deserving charity. So please give as much or as little as you can to help support me in this challenge.
Thank you.
Matthew
