In May this year it will be 10 years since my son Harry was given his diagnosis of Leigh’s Syndrome. This was the day that my world fell apart and that everything changed. Despite Harry ‘s devastating diagnosis,  10 years later he is still with us and generally doing really well. Without uttering a single word he has given me and those who know him so much. His smile can literally light up a room, he has a wicked sense of humour and his resilience and zest for life is infectious. 

After Harry was diagnosed we were referred to our local children's hospice, Little Havens. At the time I couldn't get my head around the fact that going to a hospice was going to be a positive experience. How wrong I was! It's a place that is always filled with so much love, laughter and fun, despite the fact that every family there has to face the fact that there is no cure for their child's illness.  However, over the years during some of our stays I have also had to face the brutal reality of what it means to be referred to a hospice. I have witnessed families arrive at the hospice knowing that their child has only a matter of hours to live. I have seen the utter devotion and care the hospice staff give to the families.  I have watched the smiles appear on the faces of so many who deep down don’t feel like smiling at all.

We go to stay at the hospice 2-3 times a year and the time we spend there gives us all a chance to have a break from the daily challenges that we face with Harry. The team at the hospice cares and supports each and every one of us including Harry's 2 little sisters who attend the siblings club and other events organised by the hospice. 

On Sunday the 26th April 2020 I  am going to be running the London Marathon with my amazing friend Leonie to raise money for Havens Hospices who continue to help and support my family and so many others. Their specialist care is free but they need £46,000 every week to be there for everyone who needs them. Leonie and I would really appreciate your donations to help us support this utterly amazing charity. This is going to be a massive challenge for both of us, but we are determined. Together we're 'Making Every Day Count ‘. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.