So who would of thought, I would be running another marathon! I was so lucky to have run it and accomplish my goal last year. All whilst raising money for a charity so close to my heart. But this time, I am running for two very special people. Two people who deserve so much love and support. So can I just ask that you read my story as to why I am doing this again. This is a long story, so please bare with me. All I ask is that you read till the end.

For those who may not know him, let me introduce you to my little boy Max. Max is 9 years old and was diagnosed as Autistic in February 2017. He is completely non verbal and needs constant support, guidance and adult supervision at all times for everday tasks. He has a tendency to be able to make a new sound, but sadly loses the skill to develop the sound as quick as he has learnt it. Till this day we still do not know why this happens. He has to get through each day without being able to communicate whether he is in pain, whether he is hungry, whether he is happy or if he is sad. I try so hard to put myself into his shoes and try to imagine what it must be like to be in his world, where he watches everyday, people talking to one another, children being able to talk with their friends and play together. As his mum, it breaks my heart that he has a voice, its just a silent voice. The frustration for him must be unbearable at times, and this is what we find the hardest.

18 months ago we were contacted by Max’s speech therapist, who is based at his school. She had been working with Max, assessing him using an Electronic Communication Device (AAC). Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) is a way for a child to communicate when the child does not have the ability to use speech as a primary means of communication. AAC can be high-tech, such as a speech-generating device that is programmed to talk for the child.

She told us how quickly Max had learnt how to use this device by answering questions with it and how he had walked into his class after a therapy session with her and used the device to say hello to his teachers and told them he was happy. He also demonstrated how he needed to go to the toilet by using the device. She asked for our permission to gather video evidence and put together a big enough profile to apply for funding to see if she could get Max his own communications device. For Lee and I, this was the best news. He finally was going to get his voice, we would hear him say “mummy” and “daddy” for the first time.

After nearly 18 months of gathering enough evidence, the news was not positive and Max was denied the device. After then applying to numerous charities to see if they could fund it, this was denied too.

So knowing that Max is so capable of using such a high-tech device, I have decided to run the marathon to try and raise some funds towards being able to buy his own to finally give my beautiful, gentle and loving boy a voice.

Now to introduce Connie. Connie is a lovely 14 year old girl, daughter of Caroline and Andy. I have been lucky enough to know Caroline for a few years now and she is always the one person who is there to help when help is needed. Its now time to help Caroline and her beautiful girl Connie.

Connie was diagnosed in December 2021 with a rare bone cancer of her pelvis called Ewings Sarcoma. She is currently undergoing intense cycles of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and just recently, along side chemotherapy, Connie has begun daily Proton Beam radiotherapy. Throughout this all, Connie has amazed everyone she knows with her positivity, strength and resilience. With such intense treatment and the impending extensive surgery to her hip/pelvis it is unknown as to what future help Connie may need.

Carolines closest friend has now set up a fundraising page to enable people to show their support in anyway they can. So my aim will be, what ever I can raise for the lovely Connie together with raising money to go towards Max’s device, will directly be transferred to Connies fundraising page.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. The longest one by far! But for very good reasons and for two very special children, Max and Connie. Any support and donations as always is very much appreciated.

Helen ❤️