UPDATE: Thank you so much to everyone who has donated, it means so much to me to have had your support. I completed the marathon this morning in 3hrs 40mins. I can barely move but I'm very pleased! Cx
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On 18th September I am going to attempt to run the Richmond Marathon. I may look like a lolloping giraffe falling over repeatedly when I run, but I believe these gangly legs can go the full 26 miles. At least I hope they can, because I'd love to raise a bit of cash for some old friends of mine and their little girl.

I’ve been friends with Will and Emma Calvert since our Uni days together. They have an awesome two-year-old called Elspeth, who was diagnosed with SMA type 2 not long after her first birthday last year. SMA, or Spinal Muscular Atrophy, is a rare, progressive neuromuscular condition which means she will never stand, crawl or walk. It may also affect arm, hand, head and neck movement, as well as breathing and swallowing.

Following the diagnosis, Will and Emma set up a fundraising website for Elspeth where you can find out about what she’s been up to (check it out at http://elspethswheels.weebly.com/home.html). They’ve successfully raised enough for a wheelchair and now they’re hoping to buy a harness that would allow Elspeth to take steps while strapped to a parent's feet, which should be great fun for a spot of splashing in puddles, paddling in the sea and generally toddling out and about.

I’d love to help them buy this and hopefully raise enough to provide a bit of surplus for whatever challenges Elspeth’s condition provides in the future. With this in mind, I'd really appreciate any sponsorship you can afford, to give me the motivation I need to get round 26 miles of aching knees and chafe.

Thank you,
Charlie xxx