Hello my name is Thomas Matthews, I am 6 years old. My big sister is called Lizzie. She has Coffin Siris Syndrome and also epilepsy and Autism. She goes to a brilliant place called Grove House and stays there for two nights a month. I really miss her when she goes there but she loves to go and when she is there it means I can do things with my mummy and daddy that Lizzie can't manage and I get a full night's sleep. Grove House makes a huge difference to our family and it's good to know that my sister is safe and looked after. I am running my very first Mini Great North Run this year and I would like to raise some money for Grove House to say a big THANK YOU for all the amazing work they do. Please help me! (this has been typed up by my Mummy!)

When Thom announced that he wanted to raise money for Grove House I nearly cried! I didn't think that such a thought would enter his head and also didn't realise what a huge impact Grove House has had on him. Grove House is an AMAZING place for so many families who have children with many different needs. It is a unique place that offers some much needed respite for families. The staff are amazing, so patient and understanding and it is so comforting to know that we are leaving our precious children in such loving care.
Like all fabulous resources Grove House is always under threat of closure/cutbacks etc. If ever this did happen so many families in Gateshead would be lost. When Thom said he wanted to raise money for Grove House I was so proud, please help him to make a difference to such an amazing cause.