On 1st October 2017 I'm running the Great Scottish Run 10k in Glasgow to raise funds for The John O'Byrne Foundation, #happinessmatters.

John is an incredible man and has been a volunteer at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children since 2007. He is a ray of sunshine and lights up the room making children smile in their wards. See his testimony here: http://www.nhsggc.org.uk/working-with-us/volunteering/volunteer-testimonies/john-obyrne/

Despite having his own health issues, John through his foundation provides children with much needed treats, special outings and holidays that enable children to forget about worries around their health and gives them a focus on something positive which without his help would not be available. John with help from his mum Marion, works tirelessly in providing 'happiness' to families in sometimes devastating circumstances.

In 2013 he was the winner of NHSGGC’s Chairman’s award for volunteers and in 2015 the winner of STV Finding Scotlands Real Heroes and Community Champion of the Year.

John first met my niece Elise when she spent 3 months as an inpatient at Yorkhill Hospital after she suffered a stroke aged 11 in 2011. She still sees John at regular outpatient appointments at The Royal Hospital for Children. The stroke has been life changing for Elise and my family as it happened unexpectedly. She's a determined and inspirational young lady and has made good recovery in the last 6 years but is now disabled and is a wheelchair user. John has a soft spot for Elise and contacted my sister earlier this year to ask if he could send the family on holiday on behalf of the foundation. They were overwhelmed at his offer and grateful at his gesture. They had a fabulous time at Centre Parks and would like to give something back to say thank you.

We'd be grateful if you could support John's foundation so that he can continue to put smiles on the faces of sick kids. His statement is so true: #happiness matters!

Thank you in advance.

I've set up this fund raiser via crownfunding on justgiving as John doesn't have the foundation set up as a charity. I'll transfer all monies raised to the foundation after my run and I will post proof of this.