Ten years ago, on September 12th, my eldest son Ollie Jarvis died suddenly of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was 26. Ollie's life was cut short but he had more years than he might if Magdi Yacoub had not operated on him when he was 11, in 1996. In the following 15 years Ollie kicked around with some great friends, went to university, got a job he was passionate about, and fell in love and got married. 

The same year he operated on Ollie, Prof. Yacoub started Chain of Hope, sending teams of medics overseas, or bringing young patients here, to give other children the chance of life saving and life changing surgery. I am walking to raise money for Chain of Hope, to celebrate Ollie's life and remember the 10th anniversary of his death, so that other children can have the chance that Magdi Yacoub gave Ollie. 

I am walking, with Steve (my husband and Ollie's father) the 75km route around the edge of the County Council division Steve represents as County Councillor. We were going to walk Hadrian's Wall, but the pandemic intervened, so this is the next best. Some of the rest of our gang are walking too, to raise money in remembrance of Ollie.

I'm starting this fund with £100 - a birthday present for Ollie, who would have been 36 on 5th August - since I can't give him anything in person any more. If you have something you could spare to keep my legs going when they are worn out, that would be great!

Sal x

 And here's the official bit: 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.