My story is that of a little boy called Bobbie McDonald, aged 10, who is the light of my life. I would firstly like to thank all those around me who have helped in this young boy's life to date.
For me the 26.2 miles is a massive undertaking but this is nothing compared to the problems Bobbie has to endure throughout his life.I am struggling with the miles but in my heart I see him at the finish line awaiting his stumbling dad. And through the whole endurance there is a light at the end of the tunnel, something that drives me on through the pain.
My aim is to make people aware of the good carried out by the Anaphylaxis Society and to try and introduce to others who may not even have heard of this worthwhile charity.
By running the marathon and for your kindness in taking the time in reading this will broaden the spectrum of people whom we can reach and in some small way make a change.
To qualify for this arduous task I have to raise in excess of £2000.00
His mum, Evelyn, who carries the burden of feeding him, nursing, protecting and making him safe. Her plight is not only of feeding but -hat of protection. From washing powders to ingredients on food packages. The little numbers that we all take for granted are scruitinised, checked and re-checked again, Her ability to create and cook dishes that are non life threatening. To making food more interesting for him without endangering his life. She is not only a mum, she is a chef, dietician, scientist all wrapped in a blanket of love.
His late paediatrician, Dr. Sporik, for whom Evelyn and I are eternally grateful for his support and understanding of this condition was fantastic. Sadly, Dr. Richard Sporik passed away on the 20th March 2008. RIP.
The Anaphylaxis Society whom we joined in the early years have helped and guided us on numerous occasions for:-
- continually making us aware of dangers within products
- their monthly magazine
- the support from within is tremendous and their need to be self-funded through such ventures as the Marathon. These fund raising events helps the cause immensley.
Anaphylaxis not only affects the person with the allergy but those directly around them. The stress, anxiety and worry can be traumatic to others.
An anaphylactic shock is life threatening if medicines are not administered post haste. The reaction time can be as quick as 2-3 minutes or may arise after many hours.
Most parents put their children to bed, with a story and a goodnight kiss. Not us, you must understand that at night we are most vulnerable and I check my son at least twice during the evening. Sometimes we wake him up just to check, white in colour and shallow breathing is something we have become accustomed too. The story we do. The kiss is something we do not for fear of cross contamination and to start a reaction whilst he sleeps. This is an unbearable thought. How painful is that, something as simple as a kiss can cause so much heartache?
Children talk with their eyes and all I can say is arghhh!!!
Vigilance is our word- watching, watching and watching.
We know it is going to happen but we are at constant state of alert not knowing when. Questioning every sound from a sneeze to a tickly cough The changing of the voice to a helium filled squeak, an instant sign that the larynx is closing and death is imminent unless medicines are not administered immediately. The tingling of the inner lips to the more obvious swelling of the lips which can only be described as looking at someone who has had scolding water poured over them. The lips swell to bursting point within minutes.
I would like to thank all friends and family that know Bobbie and to those that always keep a vigilant eye out for him. The staff at Parc Eglos School, Helston, Cornwall, who have been exceptional and understanding but most of all make him feel safe whilst allowing him to lead a normal life.
Hi
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