In April 2024 our/my wonderful, charismatic and incredible three year old niece Maddison, very unexpectedly became severely unwell overnight with a rare case of Encephalitis - inflammation of the brain, usually caused by an infection. With this, she endured onset seizures and overnight lost the ability to support her own body weight, talk and was immobile. After being carefully monitored for a fair period of time and looked after by the fantastic doctors and nurses at Ipswich Hospital, Maddison and her brave parents left for home not knowing what recovery would look like but did nothing but keep contagiously positive.

Six months later, Maddison has re-learnt to walk, her speech is improving dramatically day by day and her determination, strength and rehabilitation has been inspiring to watch and we have no doubt she will continue to improve as she gets older.

However, sadly, every year 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness, with many not able to access the support they need.

The Children's Trust aim is to reach and support more children with brain injury to give them the best life possible. Donations will help The Children's Trust with their goal, allowing the Trust to provide specialist rehabilitation, education and community services across the UK.

I have chosen to run the London Marathon to raise money for children just like Maddison, who very sadly may not be able to recover in the same way and to offer support to those families who have found themselves in a similar situation but need ongoing support.

With the above considered, any donations of any size would be gratefully received and appreciated more than imaginable.

Thank you for taking the time to read Maddison's story and let's collectively help more children get the support they need.