Hi all,

We’re the Running W*nkers (RWs). We’re a small (unofficial) running group made up of just eight women, who, when everyday life doesn’t get in the way, like to get out for a weekly run on a Monday evening. And on occasion, challenge ourselves to the odd 10K or 10 mile race in attempt to maintain a reasonable level of fitness, while in good company.

Over the years, being an all female group we’ve welcomed a new generation of RWs, with half of the members having had a baby. One of our members Sophie (also fondly referred to as ‘Cat B’ by fellow members), gave birth to the beautiful Charlie ‘Chops’ Wagstaff on 24 September 2017. Charlie is now one, and to all in tense purposes, a content, smiley, playful little boy.

However, Charlie has the genetic disorder Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) which affects how his central nervous system controls his breathing when he sleeps. Simply put - He stops breathing when he falls asleep.

At night Charlie needs to wear a specially designed mask that connects to a ventilator that breathes for him. He also requires someone to watch over this system at all times to ensure his mask is secure, and that his CO2 levels are safely managed.

Despite his condition, Charlie is otherwise developing well and growing at a healthy rate. Much like clothes and shoes, his parents will need to regularly replace his bespoke mask that aids his breathing, to avoid it causing facial deformities.

The RWs would like to kindly ask that you support us in easing some of the financial strain that CCHS has placed upon Charlie’s parents, allowing them to focus on caring for Charlie. We're aiming to raise £1,000 to cover the cost of just one ventilation mask, ready for the next time Charlie needs a larger size.

We want to earn, and encourage your donations by challenging ourselves to our most difficult race yet - The 100 Acre Half Marathon, Sunday 6 April 2019.

For most, it will be our longest distance yet, for some, perhaps the first race since having a baby, and for all, it means tackling our most gruelling track yet. Please give what you can to show your support for the team, but more importantly to Charlie and his parents.

With great thanks

The RWs : Ali Coote, Ali Crowe, Ana Baker, Barbara Jewell, Emma Mientkiewicz, Katy Ricks, Leah Cottrell and Sophie Billyard.