Thanks for visiting Al's Angels page!

The three of us are walking 106km over two days to raise money for Great Ormond Street.

Any donations that you can give, no matter how small would be greatly appreciated. The cost of a pint, the cost of that coffee, those new jean's that you don't really need..... anything you are able to give to the team's efforts in raising money for this fantastic Charity would be gratefully received.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So, why GOSH?

GOSH have touched and helped the lives of many relative's and families close to our hearts, including my own. We all seem to know someone that has been there or has been helped by GOSH in a variety of ways. They are there when we need them the most as Parents, when we're scared and often relying on someone else to help the most precious things we have: our Children.

Here's Victoria's story...... 

Being a carrier of Haemophilia and being pregnant with boys, I fell under the care of GOSH throughout both pregnancies. The staff were fantastic, being fully supportive and patient. Twice we needed them and twice we were lucky. Two healthy boys, promptly tested and given the all clear.

It was during Christmas 2012 & the following New Year period that we experienced the full care of GOSH. My youngest (Rory, then 22 months) was referred to GOSH after falling ill. He had his first seizure on Boxing Day and was admitted to local hospital via Ambulance. Over the course of the next two days he lost all ability to walk, the ability to talk, had several seizures, became very unresponsive and showed other seemingly random symptoms. All tests came back inconclusive, each one showing something that could be the cause. We were promptly transferred to GOSH for more evasive tests looking for answers. During the following week, further tests and operations were performed. Due to the facilities (largely purchased through donations), I was able to stay with him. He finally responded to treatment and improved enough that we were discharged from GOSH. 

It was during that week that we came into contact with many other Parents, Patients and visitors to the Koala Ward, all with very varied stories and differing outcomes. The facilities and excellent staffing care allows Parents to focus on being there for their children during their stay, which is only in place due to the donations.

Taking part in the Isle of Wight Challenge is one of the ways that I'm supporting GOSH and giving back. I hope my donations can help to support other families that like mine, may need it just that once.