Hello everyone,

It’s that time again... I’m running the Brighton Marathon in April 2019, but this year I’ll be joined by my youngest brother Oscar!

For anyone that doesn’t know me (Ryan), I’m super super competitive, and of course a little cocky at times... however my brother is on a completely different level, and everything he competes at he must win. As you can imagine the banter has already started flying around.

He’s currently kicking my arse in terms of training and just keeps on running and running (He’s like a Duracell Bunny) – Hopefully I should be able to catch up in the next few weeks and get everything sorted.

Me and Oscar shall be posting weekly updates throughout our training and will try to keep you all entertained.

Please see below for a better understanding of why Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust is so close to our family’s heart.

“Our Dad back in 2003 was driving back from a normal day’s work, when he had a stroke suddenly. This made him lose consciousness and caused the transit van he was driving to roll over several times and ending up in a ditch upside down, along Charing Hill on the way back from Canterbury. The weight of the van rested on his chest and arm, as his window was open – thankfully our Dad had been wearing his seat belt.

Our Dad was in a very critical condition and was not breathing following the accident and had to be air lifted to William Harvey Hospital immediately, where he subsequently was put on life support for over a month as his lungs weren’t strong enough to breathe unaided.

Our Mum was told to prepare for the worst as they didn’t think he would make it through.

I (Ryan) was only 7 years old at the time and Oscar was 2 years old, so it was very hard for us not having our Dad around, but luckily Mum and family where brilliant and supported us.

Very happily after over 3 months of being in hospital our Dad eventually came home, but his arm which got broke in numerous places in the crash was still in plaster and caused him many, many problems in years to come while also causing many other health related issues later on in life.

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Trust played a very critical part in saving our Dad’s life then and I want to show my ongoing thanks by running this marathon on their behalf as they are totally reliant on charity and donations to continue the fantastic work they do.”

Thank you in advance for any donation big or small!