My daughter Matilda was born on August 14th 2020 and is one very happy little girl almost all of the time. 

Within a few days of her birth, a birthmark appeared on her chest which grew quickly. The name of her birthmark is a haemangioma and, although robust, can cause scarring if it ulcerates or bleeds. The birthmark grew to a large size and despite being referred to Alderhey Children’s Hospital, it was passed the point of being able to shrink it through prescription treatment. We have been told it should go away in time but it could be years and Matilda could require an operation around the time she starts school. 

Birthmark Support Group support families and people with birthmarks and are raising money to aid research into causes and cures. Matilda absolutely loves the zoo and often visits there with different family members so it seemed only fitting to sign up for the Chester Zoo 10k and try to do something good for a charity that is close to our hearts. 

Anything that anyone can contribute would be amazing but realistically I understand that the last 18 months have been difficult for a lot of people financially so absolutely no pressure. Thanks for taking the time to read my story.

Daniel