On Sunday 4th October, Ashley and his sister Helen will run the 'Virtual' London Marathon for the Emily Grote #TeamGOSH fund. With the cancellation of the 'real' London Marathon, they are instead going to run the 26.2 miles along the Marriott's Way in Norfolk, ending up at Norwich Cathedral. 

Why are we doing this? Put simply:

- Without the help of GOSH over the past six years, Emily wouldn't be with us now;

- We know that Emily will continue to need the help of GOSH in the months and years ahead;

- There are many other families who are just starting their journey through childhood illness and need the support of GOSH too.

- Because of the cancellation of this year's London Marathon, charities have been hit hard by the loss of sponsorship money, and GOSH is no exception. Typically, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity raise around £500,000 each year from the London Marathon alone, but this year are facing a £30 million loss on their projected annual income.

Emily was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma - a rare form of brain tumour - back in June 2014, at the age of 3. She underwent multiple surgeries at Great Ormond Street Hospital, followed by Proton Beam therapy in Jacksonville, Florida.

Since then, Emily's road has been a bumpy one. She lives daily with the symptoms of the tumour -  hormone replacement medication on which her life depends; severe visual impairment and cognitive challenges. She suffered a series of strokes and TIAs in 2016 and has subsequently undergone more surgery at GOSH to repair damaged blood vessels in her brain. 

Amazingly, and thanks to the extraordinary medical care and support she has received from GOSH over the past five years, Emily is now ten years old and the happiest of little girls, despite the challenges she faces. 

Over 4 London Marathons, Ashley (Emily's Dad) has raised in excess of £70,000 for GOSH. On the last occasion (2018) he ran as Bernard the Bear, the official mascot of Great Ormond Street Hospital - in the hottest London Marathon on record!

Can you help us get the Emily Grote #TeamGOSH fund to £100,000 over the next two years? We know that we can get there - with your help!

THANK YOU all for your amazing generosity, your love, prayers and support.