Running (or attempting to run) the 2009 LONDON MARATHON is the biggest physical challenge I have ever set myself.  On the morning of the 2008 LONDON MARATHON, as I sat with my cup of tea and toast, I saw Buster, a 90-year old runner being interviewed.  You guessed it.  If Buster could run it, then why could'nt I!  And so I set about trying to rope in friends and family that may be equally mad enough to want to share the experience (and training!)  The three amigos emerged; 

Colin Beecher - former British top 10; Wimbledon Grand Slam 1996

Klaus Steed - former county cricketer and squash player; ironman; triathelete and general fitness fanatic

Ciara Laker - housewife!!!!

You get the picture - clearly batting well out of my league!

The personal challenge was just one part of wanting to run the Marathon.  I wanted to take this wonderful opportunity to raise money for a cause very close to my heart;  CHASE Children's Hospice.

In November 2004, myself and Barry were delighted, whilst somewhat shocked, at the premature arrival of our son Callum.  Callum was born 10 weeks prem. and in very poor health.  He remained in the Neonatal Unit at St.Helier Hospital for 16 weeks.  Whilst these early days for Callum were anything but smooth; the care, love and attention he received was second to none, and so eventually came the day we were able to take Callum home.   It was a day of mixed emotion.  Whilst we were, at long last, going to be united as a family;  the prospect of looking after a sick baby on our own was somewhat daunting.  Home oxygen, NG Tubes and Shunt operations became part of everyday life.  But a simple smile from Callum made everything alright.

It was at this time, that CHASE Children's Hospice was first mentioned to us.  Our preconceived idea of hospices however, meant that we did not immediately avail of their offer of help.  After gentle persuasion from one or two individuals, we paid a visit to CHASE at Christopher's.  Our eyes were well and truly opened.  It was nothing like we had imagined and can only best be described as a CHILDREN'S HEAVEN ON EARTH.  It truly is one of the most uplifting and yet humbling places I have ever had the privilege to visit. 

With a diagnosis of Chronic Lung Disease, Callum was extremely susceptible to infections and hence spent as much time in hospital as out of it.  This, coupled with his dependency on home oxygen, meant that Callum was very limited as to where he could go and what he could do.  Quality family time was a rare luxury.  It is difficult to put into words exactly what CHASE has meant to us.  The hydro-therapy pool, sensory room, music therapy and soft-play room have all given Callum the opportunity to develop both physically and cognitively.  'Little Chaser's' enabled Callum to mix with a very small group of children in a play environment, where other playgroups were not allowed due to the risk of infection.  CHASE's Care Team in the Community gave me the opportunity to do even the simplest of jobs like shopping, dental visits etc... which were off limits to Callum.  Above all, CHASE has given us QUALITY FAMILY TIME without needing to worry about medicines, oxygen, pump-feeds etc.

Thanks to all those involved in Callum's care over the last 4 years,  he has made fantastic progress.  As a result, Callum has been deemed too well to remain at CHASE.  We are the lucky ones.  There are many families who will never hear those words.  The money we raise will help CHASE support these children and their families.  We are very lucky to have Callum and truly privileged to call him our son.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: CHASE Hospice Care for Children gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

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