GNR is fast approaching and while I have always fundraised for BHF in the past, this year it is a little guy called Henry who is giving me my focus.

Many of you will know Henry Alexander but for those who don't - heres a little background.  Henry has cerebral palsy and for him it is a challenge to do things that other more able bodied people take for granted - climbing the stairs, playing active games ... even just walking.  

Henry will soon travel to Leeds for surgery. Consultant Neurosurgeon, Mr John Godden will perform the operation, Selective Dorsel Rhizotomy (SDR) to release the spasticity in Henry's Legs. This will give Henry the possibility of walking unaided. Unfortunately, this life changing operation is not available through the NHS. 

After the operation Henry will face a further challenge as he attends daily physio sessions for 4 weeks, then once home, intensive Physiotherapy for a further 6 months. His amazing parents, Paul and Jan, will put their lives on hold while Henry is in Leeds, as they concentrate on supporting him as well as trying to maintain as normal a life as possible back home for big brother Ollie. Jan will be based in Leeds never leaving Henry's side while Paul stays home with Ollie while also supporting Jan and Henry, with no doubt countless drives up and down the motorway to Leeds.

Jan and Paul ask for nothing other than love and support from their family and friends during this time.  However, the cost of this surgery and the following physiotherapy is by no means insignificant.    It is not a decision they have taken lightly - who would choose to put their child through such intensive surgery unless it was to offer such an enormous gift of an easier, more mobile lifestyle to such an inspirational little lad - their Henry.  Not only will it change his life, it will change their lives as a family.

So, how can we help? We can be there when they need strength from family and friends when things get tough, tiring, emotional as they are apart in Newcastle and Leeds, when Henry gets frustrated and cross. We can help look after Ollie - always a pleasure, he loves a cuppa and a chat! - and help to make things as normal for him as possible while mum and brother are away from home.

But together we can do more. We can help to ease the financial impact that this will have on the family. So, while I am not as fit as I have been in the past for the Great North Run I am still giving it a go and am determined to make it round. I will set myself a time to beat next year! I would be really grateful if you could show your support by sponsoring me and all funds raised will be passed to the Alexanders with our love . This will be a bigger challenge for me than it has been in the past, simply due to fitness levels, but I will have Henry in my head the whole way round to give me what I need to get to the finish line - and I will do it.

So, please, please donate what you can to help this wonderful little boy and his family to get through the next phase of Henry's journey and give him this opportunity of an easier, more mobile life.

Thank you for reading my story - now share, share, share!

Jill xxxx

OFFLINE DONATIONS:

£10 Kirsty and Steve, Lucy and Al (Martin)

£40 - Kay and Marc Cunningham and kids "Well done Jill - we support amazing Henry on his journey. Paul, Jan and Oliver we are always here with any help you need. All our love, the Cunninghams xxx"

£20 from Joanne and Mark Thompson

£40 from Jill's Auntie Kathleen and Uncle John