Why am I fundraising?

Eleven years ago, I ran for two of the charities I’m supporting again today as my daughter was born just before my last marathon. She has Down’s syndrome, and in those early days she faced life saving heart surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Their skill, dedication, and ongoing care have quite simply meant she is here with us today. It’s possible she will need more surgery in future, and I want to give something back to GOSH for everything they have done — and continue to do for her. Non-routine costs of children’s heart surgery at GOSH also range from £7,500 to over £66,000 for the most complex cases, making every donation genuinely count for the NHS. 

Alongside GOSH, I’m raising money for two smaller, local charities that have been truly transformative for her. Chattertots has been instrumental in helping her find her voice, providing vital speech and language therapy since she was just one year old. And Electric Eels, a local swimming club created just for children with Down’s syndrome — the only one of its kind in the country — which she attends weekly to learn to swim, has made wonderful friends, and found a community she truly belongs to. We feel incredibly lucky to be part of it.

I’m splitting my fundraising equally across all three charities. I know times are tough for many of us, so whatever you can give — no matter how small — will make a real difference. And on those final miles when the wall inevitably hits, knowing I’m running for her, and for children just like her, will help carry me to that finish line.

Thank you so much for your support. 

You can support Gary through his Givestar page: here