Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. In just a few short months, on 20 March 2020, I will be running the Jerusalem Marathon on behalf of Avidan's Mission (with Camp Simcha).

For those who don't know, Avidan's Mission was set up by Gabriella and Eitan Freilich with the single aim of assisting parents and families of premature babies.

https://www.campsimcha.org.uk/our-services/practical-and-emotional-support/avidans-mission/

Gabriella and Eitan's little boy, Avidan Yehudah, was born on 25 September 2018 at 28 weeks. After only five weeks in this world, the Creator recalled him as he had completed his mission! Gabriella and Eitan's world was ripped apart, but what have they done with that emotion? While many of us may have shrunk away, they used it all to do what they do best: Make the world a better place! They set up Avidan's Mission with Camp Simcha in the memory of their cherished son, so that others can be supported as they go through the trials that come with having a premature baby.

So all I ask is that you donate something to Avidan's Mission by clicking on the donate button. These donations will let all the parents and families of premature babies know that they are supported and cared for. 

I have one other ask, once you have donated, please please share this page with others so that they can donate to this most worthy cause. I won't ask you to run - I'll do that, I'll get up at the crack of dawn, tie my laces and get out running. One foot after another, I will keep going knowing what a change Team Avidan (for that is what we will be known as) is making in the world.

Thank you for all your support.

Roey

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.

I want to share something I wrote while watching over Avidan the night before he was buried. This is a personal message that I have never shared before:

I am currently in the hospital with my nephew - Avidan Yehudah, a very tiny, cute, 5 week old boy who has completed his unique mission in this world and has returned to the Creator.

It's absolutely heartbreaking to see this moses basket in front of me, knowing who is inside, knowing how his parents will look at him with pure love and longing for what can now not be.

My world was ripped apart when I was six. Every time I say Yizkor I return to that moment a six year old child is looking at his father begging him to come back. But I eventually understand enough to say Baruch Dayan HaEmet - I trust you G-d!

Now I'm a husband and a father myself, how often do I take my wife and children for granted? How often when I'm tired do I snap at them? How often do I get frustrated at the constant tidying of the same toys? But as I look  at this basket I remember: my children are a gift, my wife is a gift. Don't take them for granted! Baruch Dayan HaEmet

I have been with my nephew for only a few hours but he has taught me things, he has reminded me of my responsibilities as a father and a husband, reminded me that my time in this world is fleeting, reminding me that G-d has a plan for us and that we are here to fulfil His will. So I say Baruch Dayan HaEmet.

Eitan and Gabriella are strong. They are on a nightmare journey, but Avidan Yehudah has changed their lives. I am sure that in his brief stay in this world, he has taught them things; compassion, love, the power of tefillah, the warmth of Am Yisrael.

So together let us say Baruch Dayan HaEmet - praising G-d, recognising that He has infinite wisdom and knows what He is doing and may He bring Nechama and only Simcha to their family.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet - I trust you G-d!