In 2025 I am taking on 5 challenges to help raise vital funds to adapt Blake’s home. This is so he can have his own personal space that caters for his needs and make his home more accessible, safe, and comfortable.

23 March - Humber Half Marathon

17 May - Keswick 1 Mile Open Water Swim

25th May -East Yorkshire Half Marathon

21 June - Allerthorpe Triathlon

19th October - Amsterdam Marathon

This fundraiser is close to my heart: I’ve known Blake’s family for 20 years and know that this will improve their quality of life. Some friends will join me on the challenges but any donation, however small, will be so greatly appreciated.

Blake’s Story

Blake was born in 2021 and was a healthy baby boy, he had a very happy and fulfilling first year of his life with no health or development concerns at all.

Tragically, when Blake was 13 months old he suffered his first of five strokes. From 21st of March 2022 to 13th of July 2022 Blake and his family lived in Leeds Children's Hospital. After many extensive tests, scans and observations ,along with several other large hospital organisations Blake's official diagnosis was inconclusive. The brain injury has left him with severe brain damage, epilepsy, dystonia, and on-going chest issues.

Blake needs full support with every aspect of his care as he is severely physically and mentally disabled. He is now 4 years old but due to lack of movement looks like the size of a 6 year old!

Blake is admitted to hospital quite frequently when he becomes unwell. His last hospital admission was in 2024, between Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Leeds Children's Hospital was for 7 weeks, unfortunately over Christmas. He was discharged with home oxygen, a ventilator, nebulisers, cough assist machine and a new minimum twice daily chest physio regime.

His bedroom is currently upstairs, but this can not be a long term option. With no hoist in Blake's bedroom or bathroom, his parents are carrying him up and down stairs, in and out of the bath and in and out of his bed. Carers are not permitted to do this. As you can imagine his increasing weight, size and immobility makes this immensely difficult and is only going to get harder.

After exploring many options, East Riding of Yorkshire Council have inspected Blake's home and advised the best course of action would be to convert the current garage and downstairs toilet into a bedroom and bathroom. Blake would have his own personal space that caters for his needs and offer the help and support to his family.

Blake’s family are so positive, kind and have dedicated their lives to looking after him. These challenges will raise funds that are so needed to them all.