Ed’s in the running for charity

The Brighton Marathon is one of the UK's favourite 26.2-milers. With a stunning backdrop of the sea in one of the country's most vibrant cities, the race gets bigger and better every year.

And in just three days one of our own will be donning his trainers and joining some 18,000 other runners in this year’s event.

After training hard throughout the winter months Ed, Paramedic and HALO, is looking forward to the big day: “Balancing training and shift work has been hard. Doing a 20-mile run on days off is never fun, but it’s all worth it to raise money for an amazing charity.”

And that amazing charity is Keech Hospice Care. Based in Luton, the hospice provides essential treatment and support to children suffering with severe and life-limiting conditions, and importantly their families as well.

It’s a cause close to Ed’s heart: “In 2012 my friends had a beautiful baby boy, Harry. Unfortunately it was soon evident that Harry had difficulties with certain things like his sight and hearing; Harry is now two-years-old and has recently been diagnosed with a rare mitochondrial disorder.”

Harry’s condition means that he can’t often go out or take part in activities like other children his age. He suffers seizures, and any illnesses that others can cope with can really take their toll.

But despite this, Ed says Harry is a little boy with a real fighting spirit: “He makes me smile every time I see him as he is such a little trooper, and at children’s’ parties you can tell that he loves what’s going on around him. But I have also seen him when he's not feeling too well and admitted to hospital. It’s heart-breaking to see him struggle.”

Harry and his mum Julie, dad Mark and big-sister Ella have recently started to use Keech Hospice Care to help support them a family.

Julie said: “We attend a weekly group called 'Tots and Tots' where Harry can benefit from the sensory room, music therapy, play, and we go to a monthly family swim in the hydrotherapy pool where we can be around other families who understand what it is like to live with a child who suffers from a life-limiting condition.

“We have also had a stay recently where they helped us look after Harry with some respite so that we were able to recharge our batteries. We were overwhelmed by the care and support we received from them.”

The whole family will be making the trip down to Brighton on Sunday to cheer Ed on from the sidelines. Originally hoping to raise £1,000, Ed has already smashed his target with the current total sitting at a staggering £4,000.

“People’s generosity has been just incredible,” Ed said. “Every penny will make a difference to this wonderful charity and will help children like Harry. It’s going to be a painful day but worth every mile if I can raise a little for this very special place close to my friends’ hearts.”

Julie added: “It really is amazing. When there are so many worthwhile charities out there we realise that people really have been touched by Harry and his story.”

Although there’s only a few days to go there’s still time for you to sponsor Ed and donate to his cause – simply visit his JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/EddieG78/

Good luck Ed!

Pictured: Ed. Published 9th April 2015 

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