On 2nd June 2008, a beautiful little boy was born to my sister in law and her partner, and they named him Ryan Thomas Thorpe. Very soon after his arrival, something wasn’t right and despite numerous visits to the doctors, the family were sent away. When things took a dramatic turn for the worse, Ryan was admitted to hospital. His condition was critical and he was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital. Ryan had meningitis and despite the very best efforts of the staff at Great Ormond Street, there was nothing that could be done. Ryan was transferred to Keech Cottage where he spent his last days in the superb care of the staff there, where he died aged just 16 days old.

This year, to mark my nephew’s 10th birthday, I shall be undertaking a number of events to raise money in his memory. One of these events is the Brighton Marathon on 15 April. Those of you that know me well will know that I am not a natural runner… I could probably swim 26.2miles easier than I can run them! Training is not going so well (due to time restraints and thankfully not due to injury) but I am still on target in terms of distance. Over the next few weeks the mileage will increase significantly but I am looking forward to the challenge.

We are raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital, Keech Cottage and Meningitis UK through various events.

“A tiny flower, lent not given. To bud on earth and bloom in heaven.” I would be terribly grateful if you could sponsor me in memory of this very special little boy. Ryan is so loved by all his family and will never be forgotten. Thank you in advance for your support, it truly does mean such a lot.