In July 2025, our 11-month-old son, Charlie, was diagnosed with PolG mitochondrial disorder — a rare, degenerative disease with no effective treatments and no cure.

This devastating condition affects every part of his life, and as parents, we are determined to fight for hope, research, and a future where no family has to hear the words "there is no cure."

That is why Harrison (Charlie's father) together with family and friends*, will be running the Yorkshire Marathon on 19 October 2025 — to raise vital funds for The PolG Foundation and The Noah Jordan Foundation, whose mission is to support and accelerate research to find effective treatments and a cure for PolG mitochondrial disorders.

The fundraising does not stop with the marathon team, as there are other events happening in 2025 in support of Charlie:

- On 11 September, Charlie's grandad, Graham Dodds and friend Rich Porter will be cycling the Way of the Roses (and back) within 48 hours.

- On 20 September, Sam Wilkes and a green army will be 'Walking for Charlie' in the Yorkshire Wolds, with Sam setting out to walk the equivalent of a marathon.

- In October, Jason Wheeldon taking to the North Sea, as he takes on the mighty challenge of paddle boarding from Scarborough Harbour to Bridlington Harbour.

With your support, we can fund groundbreaking research, raise awareness, and hopefully bring Charlie closer to effective treatments and a cure.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Harrison & Ellie.

* Family and friends also running for Charlie: Max Brook, James Nettleton, James Dodds, Emily King, James Williams, Archie Naylor, Charlie Beachell, Joe Porter, Emily Ward, George Binnington, Ellen Spence, James Watts, Rob Mewburn, George Mewburn, Joe Butterworth and Simon Colley.

For updates on Charlie and the upcoming events please follow our instagram page: Cure for Charlie D