Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

It took me a while to decide on which charity to complete the half marathon for and having met a family at a Fun Run the other evening who's daughter has Cerebral Palsy I have decided to support Tree of Hope.

What really struck me about Charlotte and her family is that they are genuinely trying to give Charlotte every possible chance to fulfil her dream and are making a huge effort to raise the money that they need to do this and I would like to help them.  Anything you can give would be gratefully received, they've said if I raise £20 they would be really happy, I'm hoping I can do better, and as I've had to give up smoking I'm hoping you'll all dig deep and help me to help them :)

If you would like to read anymore please see the details below!

What we are trying to achieve

Our daughter, Charlotte aged 3, was born 10 weeks prematurely and spent the first 7 weeks of her life in hospital.  When she left the hospital there were no concerns about her development. However, by the time she was 9 months old it was clear there was a problem, and, when Charlotte was 18 months old she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.  This condition means that Charlotte’s muscles are very tight and she is unable to move like other children of her age. Charlotte's dream is to be able to walk on her own and to be able to join in with the games that her friends play.   

There is an operation in America that can help her called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR).  The surgeon cuts specific nerves at the bottom of the spine; a delicate operation that helps to release the tightness in the muscles so she can learn to walk.   

SDR is currently not available on the NHS, although there are a small number of hospitals in the UK which do offer the procedure, if privately funded.  We have taken the time to explore these options and come to the conclusion that the experience and knowledge in America, along with the post operative physiotherapy that is offered, will be of far greater benefit to Charlotte than anything available in the UK.

We are aiming to raise £60,000 to cover the cost of the operation, post operative care, travel expenses and living costs in America and to access the post operative physiotherapy required. The funding would also allow Charlotte to undergo specialist physiotherapy for a period of 2 years, thus enabling us to achieve the best possible long-term outcome for her.  We are truly grateful for any help you may be able to offer us to give Charlotte the chance to reach her goal.  For more information about Charlotte and her dream please visit her website:  www.charlottesangels.co.uk  

Love James & Kate