On Sunday 22nd of October I will be running (yes you read that right I am running) the Great South Run. What’s got Dave the beer drinking, over weight, not exercised for years running, I can imagine is running through your head! (And yes I will be going through loads of pain training and completing the run if that helps you to donate!!)

Well this is why…..

My friend’s son Dillon who has only very recently turned 7 years old has had one of the toughest starts to life.

At six weeks old Dillon was taken to Moorfields eye hospital who confirmed that Dillon wasn't seeing, various tests were done, but it wasn't until a MRI scan found he had a rare brain condition called the vein of galen malformation. Over the next few months Dillon had three operations in Great Ormand Street hospital to help with the blood flow in his brain.

At 2yrs old Dillon was diagnosed with mild to severe autism.

At 4yrs old the labels kept coming, sensory processing disorder, global development delay, visual impairment. Noises actually cause him physical pain; he has serious gut issues & is on a very strict diet.

Dillon’s parents found a specialist doctor in America who could help and give him the tests, therapies & opportunities he needs.
Dillon has now seen the doctor twice and has consultations via skype. The doctor had amongst other things picked up that Dillon was also having seizures.

Recently his doctor requested that Dillon should have another MRI scan which revealed that he has had a stroke!!
The doctor has now ordered that Dillon has a SPECT scan which will reveal the grey matters shown on his MRI (parts of the brain which are damaged) whether they will respond to treatment.

This week (25/07/17) Dillon is starting Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) which is proven to help stroke/brain injury patients.

All of this treatment, private nutritionists and endless tests come at a substantial cost.

So there you have it. This is the reason why I am running.

Please donate whatever you can.