This year we have chosen a charity that is close to our hearts and our schools, The Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service. Founded 10 years ago by Fiona & John Devine an ordinary family who were blessed with an extraordinary little boy. In November 2001 their lives were changed forever when their son, Alexander, was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just four years old. Unfortunately after four and a half years of operations, treatments and therapy Alexander sadly passed away at only 8 years old.

It is through their own experience and many months of research and speaking with as many relevant professionals and authorities in a very specialised area of care that they knew, there was no doubt, Berkshire needed its own Children's Hospice. So began the next chapter in their journey and the undertaking of realising Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service, with an ultimate aim to provide a co-ordinated support, which is available from the point of diagnosis for as long as families want.

By donating to this worthy cause you will be helping to fund Alexander's Nurses who provide a unique specialised care and respite by regularly supporting families in their own homes. As well as allow them to run, the nearly finished, children's hospice to support children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions – and their families – throughout the area.

To help raise money for this worthy cause we have decided to take part in a Spartan Sprint. This consists of a 5-6 Km run packed with 20 Signature Spartan Obstacles. Any money donated contribute towards helping to make life better for the hundreds of local families in the area who have children with life limiting conditions.